1 missing, 6 rescued in Negros sea mishap

BACOLOD City , Philippines  – A fisherman was reported missing while his six companions were rescued when their fishing boat collided with a barge off E. B. Magalona town in Negros Occidental Friday morning.

Philippine Coast Guard-Bacolod chief Lt. Commander Glen Daraug said the seven fishermen of Banate, Iloilo were crewmembers of F/B Prince Amiel, which sank after the collision.

Daraug identified the missing fisherman as Fernan Tolentino.

Another fisherman, Christopher Baldemor, was injured and was taken to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in this city for treatment.

The fishermen, who jumped into the water when the vessels collided, were rescued by the crewmembers of the barge.

Daraug said the barge, owned by Seamine Ventures, was heading for Naga City when it figured in the accident.

Boat captain Nilo Amimi said they signaled the barge to change course, but it reportedly ignored them.

“We didn’t have time to turn our boat around so we jumped into the sea,” Amimi said.

Barge captain Johnny Garcier said he saw only one light from the fishing boat and it was too late to change course.