37 fishermen rescued after vessel capsizes off Onok Island

Thirty-seven fishermen were rescued after their vessel capsized off the coast of Onok Island in Balabac, Palawan.

The F/V ANDREI SARAH departed from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on January 18 and encountered engine failure and rough seas, prompting the captain to navigate towards Liminangcong, Taytay, Palawan for repairs.

At around 4 a.m. on January 29, the vessel struck a reef near Onok Island, causing it to capsize.

The Philippine Coast Guard responded promptly after receiving the distress call and rescued all crew members by 10 a.m. that day.

On January 31, BFAR's BRP Datu Pagbuaya and BRP Datu Bankaw retrieved 32 fishermen who were then ferried back to their homeport in Occidental Mindoro where they received provisions and medical assistance.

Five crew members remained in Balabac to oversee salvaged fishing equipment.