Batanes fisherman rescued in Japan comes home

Aug 28, 2013 12:23 AM PHT

Rappler.com

SUMMARY

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Julio Balanoba recuperated at the Okinawa hospital, around 860 kilometers away from Basco, Batanes, from where he drifted

HOME. Julio Balanoba, the Ivatan fisherman rescued by the Japanese Coast Guard, arrives August 27 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Photo by Jedwin M. Llobrera

MANILA, Philippines – The Batanes fisherman, who was lost at sea and rescued in Japan, came home on Tuesday, August 27.

Julio Balanoba, 48, arrived in the afternoon on board China Airlines, days after he recuperated from injuries at the Okinawa hospital, around 860 kilometers away from Basco.

Balanoba was on his way back to Basco from a fishing trip to the Babuyan Islands area weeks ago when his engine stalled after his clothes got caught in his boat’s motor engine. He was badly cut and had injuries on his legs.

His family had taken him for dead. It turned out, he survived on rain water, bananas, and watermelon, as he drifted for days before members of the Japanese Coast Guard found him. – Rappler.com