Five fishermen from the province of Sarangani were rescued after floating off the open sea for more than a day.
The rescued fishermen were identified as Yolando Gino, 55 years old; Preceliano Cong, 31 years old, Arnil Sulas, 28 years old; Ronie Gino, 30 years old; and Gilbert Castanares, 42 years old.
The five went to the town of Baganga, Davao Oriental for some business on May 13 onboard their fishing vessel with two attached light boats. On the same date they sailed back to Sarangani unaware of the incoming Tropical Storm Crising.
The five fishermen were already in the middle of the sea when they received the warning. They immediately searched for the nearest land, unfortunately their boat capsized after encountering huge waves.
The five decided to tie each other’s hands with available rope so that they will not be separated from each other. They held on to the capsized vessel for more than a day until they were rescued by a passing vessel on the morning of May 15.
The five were brought to the nearby Barangay Macambol where they arrived on the evening of May 16. The five slept the whole day of May 17.
It was only on May 18 when their case was reported to the barangay officials of Macambol who in turn reported it to the Mati City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The CDRRMO readily dispatched a team to Barangay Macambol for assessment while food packs in the form of 5kg rice were also given to them from the CSWDO.
During the assessment three of the five fishermen decided that they will go to Baganga since they have family there. While the other two will go back to Sarangani through some Saranggani fishing vessel present in the area.
As of now the five are staying on the fishing vessel of their fellow fishermen that are docked in the area. (CIO MATI)
