RP Coast Guard launches search operations for missing 25 Filipino and nine Vietnamese fishermen in Palawan

By Ronron
November 23, 2007

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched Friday search and rescue operations for 25 Filipino and nine Vietnamese fishermen who were reported missing off Palawan.

PCG spokesman Lt. Sr. Grade Armand Balilo said the PCG received a report at around 9pm Thursday that two fishing vessels sunk separately in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island and Kalayaan Island in Palawan province.

He said that the incident in Pag-asa Island involved a fishing vessel with 55 Filipino crew members on board, while the one in Kalayaan Island involved a fishing vessel with nine Vietnamese fishermen.

There were no immediate details about the name of the vessels and where they came from.

Balilo said they are just speculating that the twin mishap happened anytime on Thursday, until they get the official statements of the survivors.

Balilo said the Pag-asa Island mishap was reported to the PCG by the China Maritime Coordinating Center after Chinese fishermen and Chinese maritime rescue units rescued 30 of the 55 Filipino fishermen. Initial reports said the vessel allegedly sunk due to unfavorable sea condition.

The rescued fishermen remain under the custody of the Chinese authorities as of yesterday afternoon, said Balilo.

The Kalayaan Island incident, on the other hand, was reported by the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines.

“As reported to the Vietnam Maritime Center, the fishing boat sunk because of the bad weather,” Balilo said.

PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Danilo Abinoja said yesterday afternoon that he received reports that two of the nine Vietnamese fishermen were rescued in the waters of Kalayaan Island yesterday, bringing to seven the number of missing victims.

He said another report that 10 fishermen were rescued in Palawan is being verified to ascertain if they are among the 25 missing Filipino fishermen.

Abinoja said a search and rescue vessel was sent to the site yesterday but failed to get any of the reported missing fishermen due to big waves.

He instructed Coast Guard District Palawan Commander Captain Danilo Corpuz to coordinate with the Chinese authorities for the deployment of search and rescue assets.

He also directed Capt. Corpuz to coordinate with the Navy and Air Force based in Palawan for possible joint rescue operation.

Palawan was among the areas hit by tropical storm “Lando” when the latter prevailed in the country in the last few days./DMS