(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday, July 18, that it has rescued 17 fishermen from a distressed boat in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal), West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Fishing boat “FB Cassandra” was operating 59 nautical miles northeast of Bajo de Masinloc when its propeller was damaged after being hit by a floating log on July 17.
One of the crew members immediately dispatched a distress signal which was received by BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701). A search and rescue operation ensued shortly.
All 17 crew members onboard were brought back to land safely.
BRP Teresa Magbanua towed the distressed boat back to Mariveles, Bataan on Friday despite challenging weather conditions, including rough seas and significant wave heights of five to six feet, as well as wind speeds reaching up to 30 kilometers per hour.
The fishermen were subjected to an initial health assessment. One of them received immediate medical attention as he was found to be hypertensive.
Meanwhile, the others were in good health and returned to their families.
The PCG said the rescue operation was done urgently since the fishermen were stranded within the expected drop zone for China’s rocket launch test scheduled between July 15 and 17.