At least eight fishermen went missing after foreign cargo vessel collided with a Philippine fishing boat off the waters of Agutaya, Palawan on Saturday, May 28.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the incident that happened past 6 p.m. on Saturday was reported by the crew of the MV Happy Hiro, a cargo vessel sailing under the flag of Marshall Island.
In a statement, the PCG said its personnel in Palawan immediately sent a rescue team which saved 13 of the 21 crew of the fishing boat.
"Eight other crew are still missing and are now the subject of the search and rescue operations," the statement said.
The 13 rescued fishermen were transferred to MV Happy Hiro which ferried them to the vicinity waters off Lipata, Culasi, Antique to seek further assistance. One of those rescued suffered minor injuries in the head.
Those rescued were identified as Donde Petiero, 38; Roderico Mata, 31; Randy Mata, 36; Renie Espinosa, 38; Mario Quezon, 24; Sammuel Ducay, 40; Rendil Dela Peña, 42; Martin E. Flores Jr., 58; Jupiter Jbañiez, 38; Andring Pasicaran, 43; Jonel Mata, 30; Joemar Pahid, 32; and, Arjay Barsaga, 26.