Missing fishermen rescued off Antique waters

By Florence F. Hibionada, correspondent

Five fishermen reported missing for days were rescued off the waters of Antique Saturday.

While showing signs of dehydration, all were described to be in high spirits and in good condition immediately after getting to dry land.

Lt. Willy Aguillon of the Philippine Coast Guard in Anini-y town identified the rescued group as 31 year-old Romeo Subing-Subing and his 24 year-old brother Niño, 36 year-old Efren Certia, 29 year-old Joecel Hanoy and the captain, Juvy Yusay.

The fishers left Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental early morning of June 29th. On their second night at sea with a heavy downpour by then, a red-colored passing vessel rammed on their fishing boat, stopped briefly then proceeded without helping them.

Yusay led his crew to 'abandon ship' thereafter with all five hanging on to a salvaged floating foam. For four days and three nights, the fishermen survived by sharing their 10-gallon water and a pack of sugar. Help came from yet another passing motorboat that chanced upon the five men floating in the shark-infested waters off Antique.

Coast Guard authorities were then alerted with word sent out to other Coast Guard stations on the day's rescue. The group was brought to Barangay San Roque of said town where barangay officials and loca folks helped in providing them with clothes and food.

Mayor Glenn Hernaiz facilitated the return of the rescued fishers back to Negros Occidental while an alert was sent out by the Coast Guard for the red vessel that caused the accident at sea.

The News Today learned that an investigation is underway to ascertain the vessel and crew responsible for said mishap.