The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rescued nine crew members after almost half a day being stuck due to a sea mishap off Zamboanga del Norte on Friday, Dec. 2.
In a report sent to BITAG News Digital, the PCG identified the rescued individuals as Henry Burong, 35; Diego Burong, 35; Surafi Anapi, 43; Benjar Luntian, 42; Isa Musa, 42; Aldamer Alih, 30; Boy Saguile, 27; Bader Barahim, 43; and Magno Dalawis, 52. All are residents of Zamboanga City.
According to PCG, the victims were on their way to Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte from Hasiiman Tanjung, Jolo, Sulu, when their motorbanca rammed into big waves due to “bad weather” and “rough sea condition.”
“They accidentally hit a hard object that damaged the wooden hull, causing seawater to enter the motorbanca,” the PCG said in a report on Sunday, Dec. 4.
It said the half-submerged Banca drifted towards the vicinity waters of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, and the PCG received a distress call around 3 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.
The PCG established communication with the crew to enable them to send a team for the rescue operation.
PCG said the nine fishermen are safe with no injuries. They were also sent back to their respective families, according to PCG.
