10 missing fishers found

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Ten of the 23 missing fishermen in Agoo, La Union, who went fishing at the Lingayen Gulf at dawn Sunday during the height of typhoon Frank, were found yesterday by rescuers along the coast of South China Sea in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur.

Commodore Jose Luis Alano, commander of the Naval Forces North based in Poro Point, told reporters that the Islander plane of the Philippine Navy spotted the missing fishermen clinging to the wreckage of their motorboats at around 9:30 a.m.

The fishermen were brought to a government hospital in Sta. Cruz for treatment because they were already suffering dehydration and severe colds.

Aside from the 10, three survivors also safely returned to their homes in San Nicolas West after they were rescued by fellow fishermen along the Lingayen Gulf.

Agoo Mayor Sandra Eriguel tapped the services of several fishermen early yesterday by providing free fuel to their motorboats to search for the missing fishers.

Rescuers were using two airplanes and patrol boats as they searched for the remaining 10 missing fishermen.  – Jun Elias