JORDAN, Guimaras – Four fishermen from Guimaras survived six days at sea by clinging to their capsized boat until they were rescued by fellow fishermen in the waters of Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.
Wilfredo Estañol, 68; Vicente Tacda, 54; Edward Labios, 43; and Louie Ganea, 16, residents of Barangay Calaya, Nueva Valencia, set out for a fishing trip on the afternoon of April 9.
They were expected to return the following morning but encountered trouble when their boat overturned.
Estañol explained that the mishap occurred while Tacda was preparing their dinner, causing the boat to lose balance and capsize.
After an arduous six days, they were emotionally reunited with their families at the ro-ro wharf in Barangay Hoskyn, Jordan, on the afternoon of April 15.
They were transported there by a Philippine Coast Guard ship from Bacolod City, accompanied by Joe Yusay, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer of Hinoba-an town.
Survival Tactics
During their ordeal, they caught only one fish with their net and ate seagrasses to stave off hunger.
To quench their thirst, Estañol said they moistened their mouths with sea water to stimulate saliva production and keep their throats moist.
Estañol, who owns the boat, urged his companions to eat whatever they could catch from the sea, even if raw, to maintain their energy levels.
They also endured the intense heat of the sun while floating on their capsized boat.
Rescue and Recovery
There were moments when they almost lost hope, Estañol admitted.
He believed that his encouragement was crucial in keeping his colleagues alive.
Despite signaling for help to several passing boats, they were repeatedly ignored, the fishermen revealed.
Their determination to return to their families kept them resilient while they awaited rescue.
Their prayers were answered when a group of fishermen from Hinoba-an located and assisted them.
Estañol referred to these fishermen as their “guardian angels.”
Following the rescue, the municipal government of Hinoba-an promptly assisted the fishermen, providing hospitalization and financial aid.
The Provincial Government of Guimaras, through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, also supported the survivors by distributing relief packs containing half a sack of rice, canned goods, and noodles.
Mayor Paul Vincent De La Cruz of Nueva Valencia, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Teresita Siason, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Loren Gallarda were among those who welcomed the fishermen upon their return to Guimaras. (Guimaras PIO/PN)
