BACOLOD CITY, August 8 (PNA) — Six people survived after their boats capsized in separate incidents in Negros Occidental Thursday and Friday,
Three Iloilo residents, including a couple, were rescued after their motorized banca capsized off Panay Island Friday morning.
Jerry Celeste, 37, and his wife Marnel, 36, residents of Barangay Santiago, Barotac Viejo, came from a visit in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
Their boat, manned by captain Ricky Jalagdon, 25, sailed from Barangay Tomongtong, E.B. Magalona town at around 9 a.m.
A strong current knocked down the small vessel after 30 minutes at sea.
The victims have been floating at sea for six hours before St. Michael vessel of 2GO, bound for Bacolod from Manila, rescued them.
The victims were brought to Bacolod for medical treatment.
In Valladolid town, three fishermen had to swim for one kilometer for several hours just to survive after their small fishing boat capsized off the municipal waters Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) here reported.
PCG-Bacolod chief Lt. Commander Ramil Palabrica identified the fishermen as Edwin Samodio and his son Stephen of Barangay Tabao; and Albert Mondejar of Barangay Bagumbayan.
Palabrica said the men went fishing at around 10 a.m. despite the gale (very strong wind) warning issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
While in the middle of the sea, their fishing boat was battered by strong winds and big waves brought by Typhoon Hanna.
The fishermen were rescued by the townsfolk at about 6:43 p.m. of same day at the shoreline of Zone 5 Barangay Tabao of the said town.
The victims were treated at the Valladolid district hospital, and are now in safe condition, he said.
Palabrica said they received reports about the capsized fishing boat late in the afternoon but strong waves have hampered their search and rescue operations.(PNA)