Three fishermen from Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, are safely back on dry land after a harrowing 36-hour ordeal adrift in the Sulu Sea.
The trio were rescued by a passing international vessel on Sunday, January 25, sparking a coordinated relief effort by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The fishermen, all residents of Barangay Culipapa, Hinoba-an, were left at the mercy of the currents after their fishing boat, MB Princess Henna, sank in open waters, the Coast Guard District Western Visayas reported.
For two days and one night, the fishermen remained adrift until they were spotted by the crew of the MV MAUD, a Singaporean-flagged bulk carrier.
The MV MAUD was transiting the waters off Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, when the crew sighted the distressed men. Demonstrating “outstanding seamanship,” the carrier’s crew successfully pulled the survivors from the water, the PCG reported.
Upon reaching the jurisdiction of Coast Guard District Western Visayas (CGDWV), the men were met by personnel from Coast Guard Station Iloilo.
Specialists from the Coast Guard Medical Station and the Nursing Service Sub-Unit Western Visayas conducted an immediate health assessment. Despite their long exposure to the elements, the PCG confirmed that all three fishermen are in good physical condition with no immediate medical concerns.
Following their medical clearance, the survivors were escorted to the Coast Guard Station Northern Negros Occidental. From there, they are being processed for a safe and final turnover to their waiting families in Hinoba-an.
While the men are safe, the PCG has initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances that caused the MB Princess Henna to sink.*