GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Coast Guard personnel transported back to this city at least 25 Filipino fishermen who were rescued after their fishing boat capsized in the vicinity waters off Papua New Guinea on June 22.
Capt. Michelle Ursabia, spokesperson of Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao, said the fishermen were aboard a fishing boat on their way home to this city after a fishing expedition in the high seas off Papua New Guinea when their fishing vessel was battered by strong waves.
He said two fishermen died due to drowning.
The distressed fishermen were rescued several days while drifting in the high seas by Filipino fishermen aboard two fishing boats who passed by the vicinity of the incident.
Upon receipt of the report on the distressed fishing boat, Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao commander Capt. Dennis Pandeagua immediately dispatched responding Coast Guard personnel who ferried the 25 fishermen back to this city.
The rescued fishermen were given medical treatment by Coast Guard personnel before they were reunited with their families.