Boat crew member missing after trying to grab loose rope —PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard said Thursday that a crew member of fishing vessel FV Yellow Bell 2 off Palawan has been missing since Tuesday after jumping off the vessel to grab a loose fishing net rope.

In a statement, the PCG said its Sub-Station Araceli continues to search for the missing crew member identified as Edgardo Casuna.

PCG District Palawan on Wednesday said fishing vessel master Booths Donasco informed Coast Guard Sub-Station (GCSS) Araceli that Casuna went missing in the vicinity off Barangay Calandagan.

According to Donasco, Casuna was swept away by strong sea current.

“The master alarmed the vessel to raise alert to all crew members and to halt the fishing-related activities to conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operation,” the PCG District Palawan said.

After hours, the SAR was halted due to rough sea conditions from strong winds.

“As of this date, the said crew of FV Yellow Bell is still missing. Moreover, CGSS Araceli will conduct a follow up SAR if weather permits in the area,” the Coast Guard District Palawan said.

“Likewise, said Sub-Station advised all watercrafts to be on the lookout for the said missing person and render assistance if sighted and report to the nearest PCG Unit or other government agencies,” the PCG district added.

Further investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to PCG Palawan. —LBG, GMA News