Coast Guard saves fishermen stranded off Occidental Mindoro

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rescued three fishermen who had been missing for five days in the waters off Occidental Mindoro. 

The fishermen were recovered on February 14. Three were brought back alive, but the fourth crew member was confirmed dead.

According to the PCG, the group, residents of Lian, Batangas, was spotted drifting approximately 102 nautical miles off Cabra Island in Lubang. Their vessel, FB MJ 2, had suffered a catastrophic engine failure shortly after departing from Batangas on February 9.

The search occurred at approximately 12:10 p.m. on February 14, when the PCG received a radio distress call from a passing commercial fishing vessel, FBCA Carmen 4.

The crew of FBCA Carmen 4 reported sighting the distressed motorbanca and immediately moved to provide assistance.

The three survivors were safely transferred to the larger vessel, though PCG officials noted that one of the survivors is in a "weakened physical condition" and requires urgent medical intervention after five days adrift at sea.

Prior to the FBCA’s distress call, the PCG said that it launched an intensified search and rescue operation earlier this week after the fishermen failed to return to their homeport in Lian.

The mission involved a multi-agency effort, deploying aerial assets and the 44-meter multi-role response vessel, BRP Cape San Agustin, according to the PCG.

PCG Spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab also lauded the civilian crew of FBCA Carmen 4 for their role in the discovery.

“The PCG recognizes the crew members of FBCA Carmen 4 for their vigilance and timely assistance, which contributed to the rescue of our survivors. This incident affirms that maritime safety is a shared responsibility,” Captain Cayabyab said.