Two fishermen whose boat submerged off Cabra Island in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro were rescued by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel on Saturday, April 13.
The fishermen were identified as Joel Damalerio, 80, and Rolan Ranque, 51, both residents of Brgy. Aroma, Tayamaan, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.
The Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Lubang said it received a report that fishing banca “Rex and Roy” needed rescue after being half-submerged at approximately 12 nautical miles south of Cabra Island.
A search operation was immediately conducted by the PCG which led to the safe rescue of Damalerio and Ranque.
“After executing successful rescue operations, the search and rescue team towed the fishing banca to safety and securely anchored it to the nearest payaw for temporary shelter,” the PCG said.
A payaw is a type of artificial reef structure used in fishing typically consists of bamboo poles or stakes anchored to the seabed often used to attract fish and improve fish catch.
Meanwhile, the PCG team brought the rescued fishermen to a rural health unit for further medical assessment.
An investigation was launched by the PCG to determine why the boat submerged.