Philippine Navy vessel rescues Indonesian fisherman

A Philippine Navy (PN) vessel has rescued an Indonesian fisherman who was adrift in the open sea for at least seven days after his boat malfunctioned due to engine failure.

According to the initial report, BRP Tarlac was conducting a gunnery exercise approximately 54.5 nautical southwest of Balut Island in Sarangani, Davao Occidental on Tuesday when it received a distressed call from a nearby Filipino boat, Lite Boat Tanigue.

The 25-crew boat discovered 50-year-old Kamuraan Ama and sought the help of PN.

The victim was immediately transferred to BRP Tarlac’s clinic where he was attended to by the medical personnel on duty. He was diagnosed with hypertension and has complained of stomachache and back pain.

BRP Tarlac reported the incident to the naval operations center of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM). Upon its directive, the fisherman and his ship are set to be transported to the Indonesian Border Crossing Station located at Balut Island.—LDF, GMA News