2 fishermen rescued by CCG near Panatag Shoal return

The two fishermen who went missing in Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag or Scarborough Shoal) on Tuesday have safely returned to port after being rescued by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG).

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said fishermen Morrey Sierra, 45, and Lloyd Akeiot, 37, arrived at the PCG Headquarters at Port Area, Manila around 10 p.m. Friday.

The two went missing after their unnamed motorbanca capsized near the Panatag Shoal. Since then, PCG coordinated with the CCG in the area for a search and rescue operation. They also issued a notice to mariners (NTM).

Commander Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said that based on the testimonies of the two fishermen, they drifted helplessly at sea for a whole day before a Chinese fishing vessel spotted them and plucked them out of the water.

Their inability to communicate with one another, prompted the Chinese fishermen to turn the victims over to the CCG vessel in Panatag Shoal.

Sierra was quoted as saying that crew members of the CCG vessel treated their wounds and provided them with dry clothing and food.

At 3:17 p.m. Friday, the CCG vessel rendezvoused with the PCG’s “BRP Tubbataha” for their turnover.

Balilo had earlier expressed gratitude to CCG for its help in rescuing the missing fishermen. He added that coordination between the two Coast Guards is good for the relationship between the two countries.

2 others also missing Meanwhile, Captain Roy Echevarria revealed that two other fishermen are still missing near Bajo de Masinloc.

Echevarria said a certain Gil, 59, and Manuel, 52, went missing after their motorbanca capsized last November 26 at the height of typhoon “Marce.”

He said they have alerted fishermen in the area to be on the lookout and render assistance in case they see the two fishermen.