BY RHENJIE MARIE CALANTAS
ILOILO – A crew of seven persons was rescued from a distressed fishing boat in the waters between Masbate province and Carles, Iloilo on Friday, July 28.
Roldan Maghanoy, owner and operator of FBCA Raj Warrior, called the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Estancia around 2 p.m. to report that his fishing boat was half submerged in the waters between Jintutulo Island, Masbate and Gigantes Island, Carles.
Around 6 p.m., the CGSS Carles rescued two crew members, and the CGSS Estancia rescued the remaining five crew members and towed the fishing boat to the feeder port in Estancia town.
Coast Guard Iloilo station commander Paterno B. Belarmino Jr. said the crew went on a fishing venture on July 23. Due to Typhoon “Egay”, they temporarily stayed in Jintutulo Island, Masbate for five days. Thinking the weather conditions had improved, they attempted to return to Estancia.
The seven crew members rescued were:
* Jomar Asuelo, 52, of Calapandan, Estancia (boat captain)
* Lito Candelario, 46, of Culasi, Roxas
* Robert Rodrigo, 30, of Culasi, Roxas
* Romark Acedre, 37, Botongon, Estancia
* John Borja, 53, Poblacion, Estancia
* Niño Solitario, 40, of Asluman, Carles
* Michael Retirado, 43, of Inventor, Estancia
They are now with their families.
The Coast Guard urged fisherfolks not to venture out to sea if a storm signal or gale warning is hoisted./PN
