Search for 2 more missing Pinoy fishers continues

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is searching for two more fishermen who went missing during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Marce.

On Friday, Morrey Sierra, 45, and Lloyd Akeiot, 37, both of Palauig town in Zambales, were turned over by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) to the local PCG, according to PCG spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo. Sierra and Akeiot told BRP

Tubbataha Capt. Roy Echevarria that two of their companions, identified as Gil, 59, and Manuel, 52, have not been found yet.

They said their fishing boat capsized on Nov. 26 and some Chinese fishermen rescued and turned them over to CCG ship 3501.

Sierra and Akeiot’s boat was one of five fishing vessels, including the mother ship MBRS Lipay, that sailed from Barangay Lipay in Palauig to Scarborough Shoal on Nov. 18.

Lipay returned to Subic on Nov. 23 to unload its catch, leaving behind the smaller boats to continue fishing.

Winds and waves spawned by Marce battered the boats, causing one of the vessels to sink.

Sierra and Akeiot said they have no idea what happened to their companions.

The fishermen suffered injuries in their hands and their clothes were torn during the accident.

Balilo said acting PCG commandant deputy commodore Athelo Ybañez might authorize an aerial search for Manuel and Gil.

Echevarria believes the CCG is willing to help again if they spot the two fishermen.

The PCG substation in Sta. Cruz, Zambales will ask the families of Manuel and Gil if they had returned home.