The Coast Guard Sub-Station Romblon (CGSS) has assisted six-rescued fishermen after encountering engine trouble in the waters between Brgy. Pagsangahan, Quezon Province, and San Pascual Masbate City in Romblon on Wednesday, October 11.
According to the CGSS Romblon, one of the officials of Brgy. Bagacay, Romblon, Romblon personally reported to the station that a towed fishing boat with six individuals onboard was brought to the shoreline of the said barangay.
"The CGSS Romblon team immediately proceeded to the said shoreline to verify the veracity of the said report and to render necessary assistance. Upon arrival thereat, the team sighted the unmarked fishing boat colored with white paint," the station said.
The six rescued individuals were identified as Carlito Forcadas Jr., 56; Joseph Rondina, 42; Bobby Erato, 40; Rodil Montecalvo, 40; Greg Valler, 39; and Nonoy Ojastro, 24.
All of the aforementioned fishermen reside in Brgy. Casay, San Francisco, Quezon Province, according to CGSS.
Initial investigation showed that the victims left their residence at around 1p.m. on October 8 to conduct fishing ventures and decided to return home at around 5 a.m. on October 9, but unfortunately encountered eningine trouble.
As a result of the engine failure, the fishing boat was unable to move in the water and drifted for more than 54 hours towards nearby waters off Brgy. Agbudia, Romblon, Romblon.
A passing small motorboat in the area sighted the boat and towed their fishing boat to the shoreline of Sitio Binagong, Brgy. Bagacay for their safety.
"All rescued fishermen are in good physical condition and temporarily in the custody of the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Office Romblon for the provision of temporary shelter and other personal necessities, while their fishing boat will be towed to Brgy. Bagacay in front of Coast Guard Station Romblon for repair and further investigation,' the statement read.