Four Batanes Fishermen Safe After Drifting at Sea
ITBAYAT, Batanes — Four Batanes fishermen safe after drifting at sea were confirmed to have reached land safely in this remote island town by Wednesday afternoon, local officials reported.
The fishermen, identified as Edgar Gutierrez and Victor Asa aboard the fishing banca FB NAG, and Gerald Balanoba with Zel Padilla on another boat, set out for a fishing trip on Tuesday but did not return to their home port in Basco as scheduled.
Notice Issued After Boats Spotted Adrift
Early Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard in Batanes issued a “Notice to Mariners” when two fishing boats, each with two crew members, were seen drifting near Mavulis Island, more than 20 kilometers north of Itbayat, sources said.
The advisory followed a report from a Basco resident, Nestor Gonzales, who informed authorities that the FB NAG had engine trouble and was drifting southeast of Mavulis along with another vessel. The Coast Guard tracked their last known positions using the Sky Tracker app, an official explained.
Rescue and Safe Arrival at Itbayat
Mavulis seaboard is a favored fishing area for locals from Itbayat and Batan Island because of its abundant marine life, community members noted. According to Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Kathleen Garcia, the fishermen aboard FB NAG abandoned their boat due to engine failure and transferred to the other vessel with their companions.
They then proceeded safely to Itbayat, arriving at Rudluken Port on the town’s eastern coast. The Coast Guard-Itbayat confirmed their safe arrival, ending the ordeal for the four fishermen.
For more news and updates on Batanes fishermen safety, visit Filipinokami.com.
