4 fishers caught in rough seas rescued off Palawan

MANILA, Philippines–Philippine Coast Guard personnel have rescued four fishermen whose motor boat capsized Wednesday off El Nido, Palawan, due to rough seas churned by Typhoon “Gener.”

Lieutenant Commander Armand Balilo, the PCG spokesman, identified the fishermen as Michael Abay-Abay, 36; Crisante Tabat, 42; Abner Binavidez, 20; and Meliton dela Cerna, 42. All are residents of Barangay (village) Lipay, Sta. Cruz, Zambales.

Citing a report of the PCG station in El Nido, Balilo said the fishing boat, which was headed for Balabac, Palawan, was battered by strong winds and big waves, causing it to capsize.

“The fishermen managed to swim to nearby Bito Island, where they were later picked up by Coast Guard personnel and subsequently taken to the PCG station in El Nido town,” he added.

On Tuesday, three fishing boats sank off Barangay Aguauan in Mariveles, Bataan, after the vessels were slammed by big waves.

In a report to the PCG headquarters in Manila, the PCG detachment in Mariveles named the ill-fated boats as the FB Lady Jane, FB John Mark 1 and the FB Joshua.

FB John Mark 1 crew member Archangel Vicoy from San Jose, Antique, was reported missing by his fellow fishermen.

The detachment “shall continue its search-and-rescue operations as soon as the weather in the area improves,” said the PCG.