PCG still on the look-out for missing fisherman in El Nido, Palawan DOTC-PCG: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues its search for the missing fishermen who were onboard a motorbanca that sunk at vicinity 3 NM North Malampaya Tower, El Nido, Palawan yesterday, 16 July. Captain Aracel A. Bacolod, Barangay Captain of Barangay Bucana, El Nido, Palawan informed Coast Guard Station (CGS) El Nido of the sinking incident involving an unnamed fishing boat that was painted blue and powered by a 6.5 marine engine. The fishermen onboard were identified as Eddie Arevalo, 32 and Pasito Valduheso, 53, who was reported to be the sole survivor of the sinking incident. CGS El Nido immediately initiated contact with Valduheso who stated that they encountered strong winds and rough seas which caused sea water to seep in their boat. Valduheso further stated that they have managed to clung into the half-submerged fishing banca for five hours until Arevalo decided to swim towards a sighted fishing boat in order to seek for help. Valduheso managed to stay afloat and was rescued by a passing fishing banca. He added that he has no knowledge whether his companion was able to reach the sighted fishing banca or if he was able to survive or not. CGS El Nido immediately coordinated Joint Task Force Malampaya (JTFM) for assistance and advised all watercraft transiting the area to be on the look-out and to render assistance, if sighted, and to report to the nearest Coast Guard Unit as soon as possible.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 09:06:16 +0000