CREW members of a Hong Kong-registered cargo vessel rescued last Saturday one of two Filipino fishermen earlier reported missing off Pangasinan.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan commended the crewmen of MV Deryoung Space for saving the Pinoy fisherman, who was not identified, off Agno town at around 2:20 p.m. Saturday.
The PCG said the general cargo vessel was on its way to Subic, Zambales when it found and rescued the fisherman.
“I recognize the exemplary professionalism and commend the humanitarian act of the master, officers, and crew of MV Deryoung Space,” said Gavan.
“In the Philippine waters, our seafarers are indeed our everyday heroes,” added Gavan.
The PCG said search and rescue operations are still ongoing for the other missing fisherman.
Citing the results of its initial investigation, the PCG said the two fishermen went out to fish last Friday.
“They failed to return at midnight due to bad weather conditions, causing their motor banca to submerge,” the PCG said in a statement.
After receiving information from the fishermen’s families about their ordeal, the PCG alerted transiting vessels about the incident.
“The following day (Saturday), the PCG received an update from MV Deryoung Space, communicating they found and rescued one of the two missing Filipino fishermen,” the PCG said.
MV Deryoung Space is now in Subic with the rescued fisherman.
The PCG said the fisherman was “warmly welcomed by his family, PCG personnel, and Agno local government unit officials.”
