One missing in fishing boat collision

By Felipe V. Celino

 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A 57-year-old fisherman from Kalibo, Aklan is missing after his fishing boat accidentally collided with another fishing vessel Friday midnight in the waters of Barangay, Olotayan here.

Ricky Peralta, boat captain and resident of Brgy. Bachaw Norte Kalibo, Aklan has yet to be found while his two crewmembers Gerald Retos, 39, also of Brgy. Bachaw Norte and Leo Arillas of Brgy. Bachaw Sur also in Kalibo were rescued by fellow fishermen from other fishing boats.

According to Retos, they were on their way to Olotayan Island when a bigger fishing vessel hit them, causing their boat to capsize.

Retos and Arillas were fortunately rescued by other fisherfolks from other boats but Peralta, who wore a white t-shirt, short pants, and black sleeve, remains missing.

Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, station chief of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG-Capiz), said the scene of the incident was not anymore part of their Area of Resposibility (AOR).

Mercurio said the survivors made Brgy. Olotayan as their reference point but they were far from the island barangay.

Mercurio added that no such incident was recorded in Olotayan when they investigated.

But they said they will continue to look for Peralta.