Fisherman rescued after drifting at sea in Quezon

With his engine out and powerful waves ramming against his boat in the waters off Quezon province, fisherman Alejandre Garcia could only hope that help would soon come his way — and it did.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Southern Tagalog reported that Garcia was rescued Thursday by another vessel in the waters between Balesin and Cagbalete Islands.

Garcia's ship, the PCG said, "went dead" on the water after it "encountered engine trouble."

"Coast Guard Sub Station Mauban received a distress call from Motorbanca Chenry, reporting the rescue of a stranded fisherman," the PCG Southern Tagalog said.

"The distressed boat's owner, Mr. Alejandre Garcia, had encountered big waves on 3 January 2024, leading to engine failure," it said.

Motorbanca Chenry was skippered by Roderic Bernisca, who took Garcia and the latter's boat to the Mauban Port.

Upon coordination with PCG in Northern Quezon, Garcia was able to inform his family that he was in safe hands.

Garcia and his boat are set to be ferried back to Infanta, Quezon on Saturday, the PCG said. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VDV, GMA Integrated News