Three fishermen who were reported missing in the waters off Occidental Mindoro were rescued while one of their companions was found dead after their boat drifted for five days due to engine failure, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Saturday, Feb. 14.

The PCG said it received a radio report about a distressed vessel identified as fishing boat (FB) “MJ 2” around 12:10 p.m. on Saturday after it was sighted by a fishing banca, FBCA Carmen 4, while floating at 102 nautical miles off Cabra Island in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.

FB MJ 2 suffered engine failure and had been drifting at sea for several days, the PCG noted.

“Three fishermen were found alive and were safely transferred on board FBCA Carmen 4 while one fisherman was confirmed deceased,” the PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said.

The PCG shared that one of the survivors was in a weakened physical condition and needed immediate medical attention.

According to initial investigation by the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog, the four fishermen were declared missing when they failed to return to Lian, Batangas after departing on Feb. 9 toward the waters off Ambil and Lubang Islands.

The identities of the rescued fishermen and the fatality were withheld by the PCG pending notice from their families. They are all residents of Lian town.

The PCG deployed aerial assets and vessels for the search and rescue operations. The PCG also coordinated with government agencies, local government units, and coastal communities to find the missing fishermen until they were rescued five days later.

Meanwhile, the PCG recognized the crew members of FBCA Carmen 4 for their vigilance and timely assistance, which contributed to the rescue of the survivors.

“This incident affirms that maritime safety is a shared responsibility,” Cayabyab expressed.

The 44-meter PCG ship BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) met with FBCA Carmen 4 at a designated rendezvous area for the turnover of the rescued fishermen.