PCG: 3 fishermen earlier reported missing found alive off Occidental Mindoro

Three fishermen previously reported missing were found alive and rescued in the waters of Occidental Mindoro on Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

They were on board with another fisherman on the fishing vessel FB MJ2 when they were reported missing on February 9 after their boat failed to return to Lian, Batangas. The vessel left on February 8 heading toward the waters off Ambil and Lubang Islands in Occidental Mindoro for a fishing expedition.

The PCG said the vessel FBCA Carmen 4 reported the sighting of the distressed FB MJ2 at approximately 12:10 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, at around 102 nautical miles off Cabra Island in Lubang.

The fishing vessel had engine failure and drifted at sea for several days.

The three fishermen were then safely transferred to the FBCA Carmen 4. One of them however was in a weakened physical condition and required immediate medical attention, the PCG said.

A fourth fisherman however was confirmed dead.

The rescued fishermen were then brought onboard the PCG's BRP Cape San Agustin to be brought to Port Area, Manila.

The PCG conducted air and sea search operations for the four fishermen after the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog received a distress call on February 9 that the vessel failed to return to Lian, Batangas following their fishing expedition.

Aside from the intensified search and rescue operations deploying aerial assets and vessels, the PCG closely coordinated with government agencies, local government units and coastal communities.

“The PCG recognizes the crew members of FBCA Carmen 4 for their vigilance and timely assistance, which contributed to the rescue of our survivors. This incident affirms that maritime safety is a shared responsibility,” PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said. —KG, GMA Integrated News