Manila: Five Filipino fisherfolk were rescued in waters off the Spratlys in Vietnam, while three others remain missing after their fishing boat was rammed by an unidentified vessel near Lubang Island on January 30.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported in a situation update that the fisherfolk were aboard the FBCA Prince Elmo 2 from Naic, Cavite, intending to fish near Lubang Island when their boat was struck around 8 p.m.
The five fisherfolk who were at the bow of the boat were rescued by the vessel MV Dong An at 3:15 p.m. on February 16. They were subsequently transferred to the PCG’s BRP Boracay 2 near Corregidor Island on Wednesday.
The PCG stated, ‘Through the coordination of PCG Station Bataan with John Sayao of Atiko Trans Incorporated, agent of MV Dong An, the five fishermen were successfully received by BRP Boracay.’
Following a medical briefing by the PCG, all five individuals were found to be physically well. They have been handed over to PCG Sub-station Naic and personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Naic at 8:53 a.m. on Wednesday.
The investigation into the identity of the vessel responsible for ramming the fishing boat is ongoing.
