Photo courtesy of PCG.
Seven fishermen were rescued from two distressed vessels in Zambales waters, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Thursday.
PCG Zambales Commander Euphraim Jayson Diciano said BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) towed one of the boats to Subic Bay, arriving Wednesday with the rescued crew.
The two boats involved were FB Ezra Faith, carrying two fishermen that left Barangay Calapandayan in Subic on February 14, and FBCA Gift, carrying five fishermen that departed the same port on February 11.
FB Ezra Faith was reportedly struck by a dolphin several days into its voyage, creating a large hole in its starboard quarter and causing the vessel to take on water.
The two fishermen were rescued by their fellow fishermen aboard FBCA Gift, who brought them safely onboard.
While returning to Subic, FBCA Gift suffered engine failure and eventually ran out of fuel, leaving the crew stranded at sea.
BRP Cabra personnel, conducting a maritime patrol near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, spotted FBCA Gift about 36.57 nautical miles southwest of Silanguin Cove and proceeded immediately to assist.
The vessel was towed back to Subic with all five fishermen onboard, while the submerged FB Ezra Faith remained adrift, battered by strong waves in the area.