PHL Coast Guard: 3 fishermen rescued off Manila Bay

At least three fishermen who encountered big waves brought by tropical storm "Falcon" (Meari) off Cavite were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Friday. The Coast Guard said the fishermen left for Sangley Point early Friday but big waves caused their motor banca to capsize. "Based on the initial physical examination, the rescued fishermen are experiencing hypothermia and were instantaneously brought to Coast Guard Medical Service for proper medical attention," the Coast Guard said. Coast Guard personnel identified the three as:

• Jeff Franco, 27;
• Felcon Cabriras, 38; and
• Cesar Dono, 36.

According to the PCG, the three managed to hold on to their capsized motor banca, which drifted toward the breakwater in Manila Bay. They were spotted at 11:30 a.m. by the MT Sumilon Island, which immediately reported the sighting to the Vessel Traffic Monitoring System (VTMS) Manila. The VTMS reported the matter to the PCG, which deployed a search-and-rescue team to the site. The fishermen were rescued around 1:10 p.m. Friday. After the rescue, the fishermen were immediately brought to the PCG office at Pier 13, South Harbor for physical examination by Coast Guard Medical Team. The families and the owner of the motor banca used by the fishermen went to the Coast Guard headquarters. "After a proper medical attention, said fishermen regained their good physical condition which led to the eventual facilitation of their proper turn-over and release to Mr Trinidad," the Coast Guard said. Following the incident, Coast Guard Commandant Vice Admiral Ramon Liwag reiterated his appeal to the public, especially marginalized fishermen, to refrain from going on a fishing venture while weather and sea conditions are still unfavorable. — LBG, GMA News