2 fishermen saved from half-submerged boat off Palawan

Two fishermen who clung to their half-submerged boat after it was battered by big waves have been rescued last week off the waters of Bataraza, Palawan, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Thursday, Sept. 22.

A PCG report identified the distressed fishermen as Marsan Bedro, 50; and Amsari Tiddok, 25; both residents of Brgy. Sarong, Bataraza.

According to the PCG, Bedro and Tiddok were on a fishing venture along the vicinity waters of Coral Bay Nickel Corporation/Rio Tuba Nickel (CBNC/RTNC) anchorage area in Sitio Tagdalungon, Bataraza last Sept. 17 when their fishing banca, "OMAR", was battered by big waves.

The Coast Guard Sub-Station Rio Tuba immediately conducted a search and rescue (SAR) operation after receiving a report that there was a half-submerged boat in the area.

Luckily, the fishermen were already found by a private vessel from the CBNC along with their nine sacks of copra.

"The two fishermen are in good physical condition," the PCG statement read.

The PCG team ferried the rescued individuals and towed their fishing banca to the shoreline of Sitio Marabahay, Brgy. Rio Tuba for the needed repairs.