37 fishermen rescued after vessel capsizes off Palawan

Thirty-seven fishermen were successfully rescued after their fishing vessel, F/V ANDREI SARAH, capsized off the waters of Balabac, Palawan.

The vessel, which departed San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on January 18, encountered rough seas and engine failure.

Due to these issues, the boat captain attempted to steer the vessel to a calmer area between Balabac and Tawi-Tawi Islands for repairs.

Tragically, the boat struck a reef near Onok Island in Balabac on January 29 at 4 a.m., causing it to capsize.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was alerted and a PCG vessel arrived by 10 a.m. on the same day to rescue all 37 crew members.

The rescued fishermen and their recovered equipment were brought to the Coast Guard Station in Balabac, Palawan.

On January 31, BFAR vessels BRP Datu Pagbuaya and BRP Datu Bankaw transported 32 of the fishermen back to their homeport in Occidental Mindoro.

Upon arrival at the Port of Caminawit, the fishermen received provisions and medical assistance.