TWO Filipino fishermen were hurt Saturday after their fishing boat exploded while in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, the Philippine Coast Guard reported yesterday.
PCG spokesman Armand Balilo said eight fishermen were on board FFB Akio when it exploded some 17 nautical miles southwest off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal and Panatag Shoal.
Initial reports said the explosion was caused by FFB Akio’s faulty battery starter.
Two of the eight fishermen suffered second-degree burns.
Balilo said that upon receipt of the information, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), which is on a routine patrol mission at Bajo de Masinloc, to provide assistance to the fishermen aboard FFB Akio which was at that time already half-submerged.
Crew members of BRP Sindangan provided medical assistance to the two injured fishermen.
Balilo said that BRP Sindangan towed the vessel. It was expected to arrive in Subic, Zambales this morning.
He said the rescue operation did not go on smoothly after the PCG vessel received radio challenges “as well as shadowing and initial blocking by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army ships.”
“The CCG and PLA Navy vessels stopped shadowing our ship when they were informed by the Angel of the Sea on board about the humanitarian mission,” he said.
The CCG then offered to help and launched two rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), but was politely turned down as the PCG ship was nearing the area.
“In times of emergencies, the safety of life should always be our priority. The PCG and CCG communicated in a diplomatic manner and set aside issues on sovereignty, in the spirit of humanitarianism,” Balilo added.
Gavan said: “The swift rescue operation proves the significance of our constant presence at BDM (Bajo de Masinloc).”
“We will not elevate tension, but we will remain firm on our mission to ensure the safety of lives at sea. Rest assured that Coast Guardians will continue to protect, look after, and take good care of the welfare of our fishermen no matter what, the Coast Guard way,” Gavan added.
