PCG rescues 9 fishermen from distressed vessel in Pangasinan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued nine fishermen from the distressed fishing vessel F/B Rickmar 1, which was half-submerged off the coast of Dasol, Pangasinan.

The vessel encountered mechanical trouble due to issues with its shafting propeller.

A distress call was made on April 15 and reported to the PCG Pangasinan station, which confirmed the boat was secured to a Fish Aggregating Device (PAYAW).

The PCG received the call at around 6:42 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, and the vessel was located approximately 17.46 nautical miles west of Tambobong Point.

Another fishing vessel, F/B Trinidad, assisted with towing operations, with BRP Cabra releasing the towing line at 5:50 a.m. on April 16.

F/B Trinidad officially began towing F/B Rickmar 1 to Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan at 6:01 a.m.

The rescued fishermen were brought to the PCG Infanta Substation for initial medical assistance from the Infanta Rural Health Unit and have since been turned over to their families.