After 20 days stranded at-sea, a French national survived the harsh weather condition and was eventually rescued from a distressed yacht in Sulu Sea on Thursday, Aug. 26.
In an incident report, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said French boat captain Peter Niklaus had encountered engine trouble while passing Puerto Princesa, Palawan from Tambobo Bay, Siaton, Negros Oriental last Aug. 6.
The PCG said Niklaus failed to reach the nearest port to seek assistance due to the unavailability of fuel.
Upon receiving the information, the PCG launched a search and rescue operation to locate the missing watercraft. It was last recorded off Zamboanga del Norte last Aug. 16.
The Coast Guard, however, said the harsh weather condition also caused the distressed watercraft to drift until it reached Sulu Sea.
Fortunately, through the reports of local fishermen, authorities were able to determine the location of the distressed yacht off the boundary of Tubbataha Reef.
The PCG rescue team towed the watercraft to Zamboanga City Pier for proper disposition through the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Despite being in good physical condition, Niklaus was also requested to serve mandatory quarantine in an isolation facility as a precautionary measure amid coronavirus disease (COVID-19).