Three fishermen were rescued after their fishing boat capsized off Barangay Tinina in Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

The fishermen were identified as Rogelio Pagobo, 57; Dondon Munda, 45; and Jayn Mangilay, 38.

Police said the fishermen were adrift for hours before rescuers went out to sea after the fishermen's wives sought assistance from authorities when the three men failed to return home after sailing early morning on February 20, 2024. 

It turned out, their boat capsized due to strong winds and huge waves.

While adrift, the fishermen reportedly tried to turn their boat over and held on to it until responders arrived.

“Ilang gipaningkamotan nga mahayang nila. Tungod sa kadagko sa balod nakulob. Mga pasado alas 12 (sa udto), didto nakita nga ang tulo, naa’y nagtuntong isa sa bangka, naa’y naggunit sa bangka kay ang ilang (bangka) nasudlan na'g tubig tungod sa kadako sa balod,” Sarangani Municipal Police Station Investigator, Staff Sergeant Romeo Perez Jr., said.

The fishermen's wives decided to seek help after waiting for hours when their husbands failed to return to shore.

“Naabot na sa daplin ilang kauban unya ang tulo wala pa miabot. Taud-taud, ilang gipaabot wala pa man gihapon, mao tong ilang gibalikan. Tapos pagbalik, wala na makita didto kung asa sila last nakita. Nagpangayo sila og tabang. Giadtuan dayon ang area,” Perez added.

The fishermen are now in stable condition and were given assistance by the local government.