Fisherman dead as Fabian hits Zambo City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A fisherman was killed while another was missing and feared dead after big waves spawned by tropical storm Fabian destroyed their boats in the waters off this city, authorities said yesterday.

Authorities rescued 18 others whose boats were also destroyed by the storm.

The police said six fishermen, including four minors, went on a fishing venture last Friday in the waters off Barangay Limpapa, a coastal village in this city.

The survivors said they tried to return ashore when winds started to lash out at about 8 p.m. However, big waves battered their boat until it sank.

Crewmembers of the nearby fishing boats rescued the five and recovered the dead identified as Efren Macaso.

More than an hour later, 13 other fishermen were also rescued while another has remained missing after their bancas were destroyed by the big waves in the waters off Sta. Cruz Island. 

Senior Inspector Arthur Alejandro, commander of Police Station 8, identified the missing fisherman as Sonny Hallim, 41, of Barangay Sinunuc.

Alejandro said the fishermen were approaching the fishing ground near the island when huge waves battered their boat.