FOUR crew members of a fishing boat, including the captain, died due to suffocation inside their vessel off Zamboanga City last Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard reported yesterday.
The fatalities were identified as Joseph Oro, 45, captain of FV Julius 558, of Zamboanga City; and crew members Marjon Oro, 37, of Zamboanga City; Charlie Caspe, 29; and Billy Lamag, both of Negros Occidental.
The vessel’s chief engineer, Sonny Morales, told PCG investigators that Joseph ordered Lamag and Marjon to clean the fish storage compartment at around 6 a.m. last Thursday.
“They were specifically ordered to remove the accumulated water caused by melted ice mixed with remnants of decomposing fish at the compartment,” the PCG said in a statement.
A few minutes later, Lamag and Marjon reportedly shouted for help as they experienced breathing difficulty and dizziness. Joseph and Caspe rushed to provide assistance but also started to suffocate.
Chief Mate Juanito Ibañez Jr. drove the vessel to YL Wharf in Talisayan, Zamboanga City, arriving there at around 7 a.m.
The four were brought to the Zamboanga Doctors Hospital where they were declared on arrival.
Meanwhile, five fishermen were rescued by their fellow fishermen off San Antonio, Zambales last Friday, a day after their boat capsized due to rough seas, it was reported yesterday.
The PCG identified the five as Rodrigo Monotoc, 49; Pedro Moran, 46; Armado Dalut, 41; Romeo Martinez, 37; and RJ Martinez, 22; all of Barangay Calapacuan in Subic, Zambales.
Fishermen aboard the F/BCA El Kapitan found the five at around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and were brought to the Subic Public Order and Safety Office for medical attention. All were found to be in good physical condition.
