Thirty-one fishermen aboard a damaged boat were rescued by the Philippine Navy (PN) at the vicinity of Nares Bank in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the military disclosed on Tuesday, May 25.
Commodore Donn Anthony Miraflor, commander of the Naval Forces West (NAVFORWEST), said the fishermen aboard "FB Pauline 2" were saved by the crew of BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) at 12 noon Monday, May 24, after their vessel suffered a hull derangement.
According to a military report, the fishermen were sailing in the area when they noticed that the fishing boat had a hole on its freeboard, causing seawater to seep in. The boat captain, Placido Asusina, called for a distress signal to alert nearby boats about their situation.
Luckily, another Filipino fishing boat, "FB Espanola," received the distress signal and relayed their predicament to the NAVFORWEST through a radio call.
After learning about the incident, the NAVFORWEST directed all available ships to render assistance to FB Pauline 2.
BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35), which happened to be patrolling in the area, arrived at the location and rescued the fishermen of FB Pauline 2.
"he 31 fishermen were received onboard PS35 where they were medically checked, given food, and given accommodation," Miraflor said.
The fishermen were transported by the BRP Emilio Jacinto to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.