Rough seas hamper rescue bid for 7 missing fishermen
CEBU CITY—Rough seas hampered the rescue operation Friday for seven fishermen who have gone missing after their fishing boat reportedly capsized in the waters between Bantayan Islands in Cebu and Gigantes Group of Islands in Iloilo.
Cebu Coast Guard Station commander Weniel Azcuna said they could not send a rescue vessel in the area because of the bad weather.
But he said they sent radio communications to several vessels passing in the area in the hope that the fishermen would be rescued.
He said vessels with gross tonnage of less than 250 in Cebu were not allowed to sail due to the rough sea condition, affecting 773 passengers.
PO2 Michael Forrosuelo of Madridejos Police Station said the Bantay Dagat team of the town could not also sail because of the strong waves.
Emie Gabito, former councilor of Madridejos town on Bantayan Island, said fishing boat Inday Sweet capsized at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday because of strong waves.
Seven fishermen were heading home on board their fishing boat in Negros Occidental after they went fishing in the Masbate area.
Only four of the seven fishermen were identified. They were skipper Johnrey Vergara, and crewmen Antic Celeste, Gerry Bangalisan and Norberto Patriarca. The three others were only identified as Jomar, Abel and Jimbol.
Gabito said her former staff Conie Batuigas, a cousin of Bangalisan, contacted her to report the incident.
Gabito said one of the crew was still able to contact a relative after the boat capsized and revealed that they were clinging on the capsized boat waiting for rescue.
She added that the boat’s owner, Ana Mae Claro, sent other boats in the area to rescue the seven fishermen. AU
