PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) personnel rescued eight crew members of a fishing boat in the West Philippine Sea after the vessel encountered engine trouble off Zambales.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said one of the crewmen had “severe swelling in both legs” due to arthritis.
He said a PCG vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, set course to Botolan, Zambales, last Sunday afternoon shortly after receiving reports that a fishing boat, FB Grey Erron, “had become dead in the water due to clutch disk transmission failure.”
Tarriela said BRP Teresa Magbanua reached the area, about 70 nautical miles west of Botolan, on Sunday night.
On Monday, he said PCG personnel were deployed, using a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), to provide “immediate support” to the crew members.
“The RHIB crew delivered essential drinking water and medical assistance to the crew member who had severe swelling in both legs. Necessary medications were administered, and the patient was safely evacuated along with two other crew members for further medical evaluation,” said Tarriela.
Also on Monday, Tarriela said PCG personnel conducted “diagnostics” on the fishing vessel and discovered that its main engine was “completely inoperable.”
“Despite the challenges, the PCG personnel worked tirelessly to recharge the vessel’s main engine battery, ensuring every possible effort was made to stabilize the situation,” said Tarriela.
At around 8 a.m. yesterday, he said a service boat arrived in the area to transport the crew members, including the patient, to their “home vessel.”
He said the crewmen of F/B Grey Erron “expressed immense gratitude for the assistance provided, highlighting the importance of the PCG’s role in ensuring the safety and welfare of those at sea.”
Tarriela reiterated the PCG’s “unwavering commitment to safeguard lives and secure property across the seas.”
“This incident serves as a striking testament to the steadfast dedication of PCG leadership in ensuring the safety and security of Filipino fishermen operating in the West Philippine Sea,” added Tarriela.
