4 missing fishermen rescued; 1 dead

MANILA, Philippines — One of four missing fishermen in Occidental Mindoro was found dead Saturday afternoon, the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed yesterday.

PCG District Southern Tagalog said the four were reported missing after failing to return to their hometown in Lian, Batangas.

The four were on board the fishing boat FB MJ 2 when they left Lian for Ambil and Lubang Islands on Feb. 9.

In a statement, the PCG said the FBCA Carmen 4 first sighted the distressed FB MJ 2 at 102 nautical miles off Cabra Island in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro. 

The crew of Carmen 4 rescued the distressed fishermen and informed the PCG about their conditions at 12:10 p.m. on Feb. 14.

“The PCG recognizes the crew members of 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,” said PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab.

She said the Carmen 4 crew informed the PCG that one of those rescued was physically weak and required medical attention. 

Cayabyab said the PCG dispatched BRP Cape San Agustin to take care of the rescued fishermen and provide immediate medical attention.

Initial investigation showed that FB MJ 2 had an engine failure and had been drifting at sea for several days.

Cayabyab said the survival of the three fishermen demonstrates that the possibility of survival remains when search and rescue efforts are sustained through strong support among maritime stakeholders.