7 fishermen rescued near West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines – After three days of drifting, seven fishermen who went missing at the height of Tropical Storm Kabayan have been rescued by a passing cargo vessel near the West Philippine Sea area, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported yesterday.

PCG spokesman Armand Balilo said crewmembers of container ship NYK Joanna spotted the fishermen, who were waving their hands to catch their attention. 

They were rescued at around 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, 115 nautical miles off Salomague Island in Ilocos Sur.

Balilo said they would contact the NYK Joanna’s company for the turnover of the fishermen.

The PCG received reports that two other fishermen, who were reported missing since Sept. 30, were rescued by cargo vessel MV Anagel Odyssey off Bolinao, Pangasinan on Saturday.

Meanwhile, six fishermen from Masinloc town in Zambales who sailed for Bolinao were reported missing on Saturday.

The Masinloc police station said the fishermen left aboard three light boats – San Pedro de Balogo 1, 2 and 5. – With Ric Sapnu