Pinoy crewman key to US Navy destroyer rescuing fishermen

A United States Navy destroyer rescued five fishermen earlier reported as missing off Lubang Island in Mindoro province, the Philippine Coast Guard said Wednesday.

 

The PCG, in a report posted on its website, said a Filipino crew member of the Navy destroyer USS McCampbell informed it 4 a.m. that the ship sighted the fishermen.

 

"The US Navy destroyer, which is one of three escort ships of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington, was around 43 nautical miles west northwest of Lubang Island and supposedly on its way to Manila for a visit when they accidentally spotted the distressed group fishermen," it said.

 

The PCG’s vice commandant for operations and present officer-in-charge said the crewmember, Garcia Magtanggol, reported sightning the capsized motor boat.

 

The five fishermen who were rescued were identified as:

 

- Richard Ralia, 27

- Noel Aque, 22

- Jimmy Aque, 34

- Reynato Leorin, 33

- Erick Abaño, 26.

 

All are residents of Barangay Cawak in Subic town in Zambales province.

 

Investigation showed the five fishermen went out to sea last October 19 when their fishing boat capsized and later sank at around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

 

Tuason also quoted Ralia as saying they were holding flares when a helicopter from the USS McCampbell found them.

 

The US Navy destroyer brought the rescued fishermen to the Port of Manila. — DVM, GMA News