Navy rescues 11 Vietnamese fishermen

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – After drifting “dead in the water” for 4 days, at least 11 Vietnamese were rescued by the Philippine Navy Sunday evening, November 11, near Bugsok Island, Balabac, Palawan.

Reports from the Naval Forces West identified the Vietnamese vessel as FV 90207 TS, which had come from Quay Ngai, Vietnam. It reportedly suffered an engine malfunction while fishing near Discovery Great Reef in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

The Philippines’ BRP Ismael Lomibao (PG383) said that the distressed Vietnamese vessel had been drifting “dead in the water” for 4 days when it was found some 10 nautical miles off Bugsok Island. The fishermen are being treated in local clinic.

The vessel’s distressed signal was picked up by a local fishing boat, F/B Gelnico, which relayed an alert signal to the Philippine Coast Guard. The Coast Guard said it found “no contraband” in the ship.

Naval spokesman Lt Noel Cadigal said the vessel and its crew will remain in Balabac while awaiting clearance from authorities and the repair of its vessel.

“The Vietnamese crew already sought assistance from the Vietnamese Embassy for the repair of FV QNG 90207 TS and will leave the country once the repair is completed and upon clearance by the PCG,” Cadigal said. – Rappler.com