3 fishers alive after 9 days at sea

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Three fishermen from Vinzons in Camarines Norte were rescued alive the other day off Infanta, Quezon by fellow fishermen after floating in the middle of the sea for nine days, or since they were reported missing on July 14 when tropical storm Basyang smashed Southern Luzon, the Office of Civil Defense at Camp General Ola here confirmed yesterday.

Raffy Alejandro, OCD Bicol director, identified the survivors as Lodwaldo Era, Carlito Bogate and Robert Arcella, all fishermen from Vinzons town, who were among those reported missing for nine days already.

Alejandro said the three were found floating as the engine of their motorized banca was already damaged when they were smashed by giant waves when Basyang passed over the area with at least 150 kilometers per hour gusty winds. Quezon and Camarines Norte are adjacent provinces.

He said that the survivors who were in the custody of the Infanta disaster coordinating council were set to go back home yesterday.

Alejandro lauded the fishermen’s very strong determination as they stayed alive despite their very difficult situation, adding that they will try to talk to the survivors and let them tell their sea ordeal.

He said the three suffered bruises as they struggled not to be washed away from their fishing boat at the height of Basyang’s lashings.

“We really admire their determination to survive and we can consider this as yet another miracle,” Alejandro told The STAR.