Fishing boat from Leyte sinks off Iloilo, Antique: Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard has launched search and rescue operations for 10 persons on board a fishing banca which sank off on Tuesday night between Iloilo and Antique provinces.
Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, PCG commandant, dispatched 10 persons on board the FBCA Salvan of unknown GT/NT which sank around the vicinity of Iloilo and Anini-y, Antique, at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The Coast Guard Action Center received information from Coast Guard District Western Visayas, stating that based on information received from Coast Guard Station Puerto Princesa, at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, a certain Mrs. Felicisima Atay requested for search and rescue for his brother Elizaldo Alfreda and nine other crew members onboard FBCA Salvan.
Based on the initial investigation, FBCA Salvan departed Dawahon Bato, Leyte enroute to Palawan for fishing venture at 5 a.m. but due to unfavorable weather and sea condition, subject FBCA sank while transiting in the vicinity of Iloilo and Anini-y, Antique at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
While half-submerged, Elizaldo Alfreda contacted Mrs. Atay through her cell phone asking for help and informing her of their last position and situation.
Upon receiving the report, Coast Guard District Western Visayas immediately directed the BRP Davao del Norte to conduct search and rescue operations and departed port of Iloilo with Special Operations Unit divers on board.
The team was expected to arrive in the vicinity by 4 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Coast Guard Action Center also immediately sent notice to mariners and attempted to contact cell phone numbers of crew of FBCA Salvan but with negative result. PNA
