Nine fishermen were rescued from a distressed fishing boat off Caluya Island in Antique, the Philippine Coast Guard said Friday.
The local fishermen from Cebu, according to the Coast Guard, were rescued last Wednesday by the crew of MV Eduardo Uno, which was transiting the area.
The fishermen told the Coast Guard that they were onboard an unnamed fishing banca when it was battered by strong waves while on a fishing venture in the waters off Caluya Island.
The vessel took the hit amid rough seas, causing it to submerge.
Upon receipt of the distress call, the Coast Guard District Western Visayas directed the Coast Guard Station Aklan and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) to conduct search and rescue operations.
While on their way to the incident site, the rescuers were able to establish radio communication with all transiting vessels near the incident area for possible assistance.
MV Eduardo Uno received the message and later initiated assistance for the distressed crewmen of the fishing banca between Caluya Island and Maniguin Island. They were able to rescue all fishermen.
They received further medical assistance from the Coast Guard medical personnel upon arrival at the Loboc Port in Iloilo City. No one from them was hurt.
After the medical check-up and profiling, they were provided with meals and were ferried to Baluarte Elementary School in Iloilo City for temporary shelter while coordinating their transport to their respective home towns in Cebu province.