3 Pangasinan fishermen rescued by US Navy off Pangasinan; turned over to PCG
(Photo: PCG)
Three Filipino fishermen were rescued by a United States Navy vessel off the coast of Pangasinan after their boat submerged on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.
The fisherfolk were identified as Michael Lebios, Michael John Lebios, and Lorjun Lupague, who are all residents of Sitio Pocdol, Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan.
An initial investigation showed the fishermen encountered engine trouble while returning from a fishing trip about 50 nautical miles west of Bolinao, Pangasinan. Strong waves later caused their motorbanca to sink.
The crew aboard the US Navy Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) spotted the fishermen clinging to their submerged motorbanca, which was tied to a payao. The US Navy said the USNS Cesar Chavez was conducting routine logistics and resupply missions in the area at the time.
The US Navy immediately conducted a rescue operation and pulled the three fishermen to safety.
The fishermen reported that their vessel’s engine flooded on Dec. 28 due to heavy seas, leaving them adrift. They had departed port on Dec. 27 and survived on rationed food and water before being located by USNS Cesar Chavez.
The fishermen were turned over to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel at Riviera Pier in Olongapo City, Zambales. Personnel from the PCG and the Infanta Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office provided medical assistance to the fishermen.
Authorities confirmed that all three were in good physical condition so they were later transported back to Infanta to reunite with their families.
The PCG thanked the crew of the USNS Cesar Chavez for the timely rescue, and reiterated its commitment to protecting Filipino fisherfolk in Philippine waters and nearby seas.