3 fishermen survive 'Basyang' wrath — Coast Guard

At least three fishermen were rescued after they survived the wrath of tropical cyclone "Basyang" (Conson) off Quezon province, the Philippine Coast Guard said Thursday. The Coast Guard said on its website that the three fishermen returned to Dinahican port in Infanta, Quezon Wednesday afternoon. It identified the three survivors as Clodualdo Era, 22; Carlito Bugate, 16; and Robert Arcilla, 22, all residents of Calaguas Island, Vinzons, Camarines Norte. Fishing vessel Shannys, owned by Arwind Avallaneda, towed their disabled craft "Rigor" to port. Era said they departed Calaguas Island July 10 aboard the fishing boat "Rigor" to fish in the area between Jomalig Island and Paracale, Camarines Norte. While returning home, they encountered strong winds and big waves spawned by Basyang, causing their craft to capsize. They stayed aboard the ship, eating floating sea grass, and a slice of uncooked fish. After floating for almost six days, they were spotted by F/B King Ryan, owned by Reynaldo Lavina. The crew eventually transferred to F/B Shannys. The survivors were brought to Claro M Recto Memorial Hospital at Infanta, Quezon for medical checkup while F/B Rigor was beached off Infanta, Quezon. Based on statistics by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), over 70 people died due to Basyang. - RSJ, RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV