Six fishermen rescued off Silay Coast

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Northern Negros Occidental rescued six fishermen after their boat partially submerged in the waters off Silay City, Negros Occidental yesterday.

Commander Paterno Belarmino Jr., head of PCG-Northern Negros Occidental, reported the fishermen had been floating for about two hours at sea before their rescue around 9:52 a.m.

The fishermen had departed from Catabla Baybay in Barangay Zone 3, Talisay City, at about 4 a.m. to fish near Silay City. However, strong winds and large waves destroyed the boat’s outrigger, causing it to partially capsize around 7:30 a.m.

Belarmino noted that a passing tanker ship spotted the fishermen and alerted the PCG’s sub-station at the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. (Bredco) port around 9:04 a.m.

A tugboat, commanded by Auxiliary Commander Ricky Malayo of the 618th Squadron of the PCG Auxiliary, responded to the distress call and rescued the fishermen four nautical miles from the Bredco port.

Belarmino confirmed that all fishermen were safe following a medical examination before they were transported back to Talisay City. He also said that their boat was turned over to the City Agriculture Office of Talisay.