File photo by DELFIN T. MALLARI JR.
LUCENA CITY – A fisherman from the island municipality of Patnanungan in Quezon province was found alive in Mauban town on Thursday, November 16, after going missing for two days, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
The PCG-District Southern Tagalog said in a report that Willie Miranda’s fishing boat experienced engine problems due to strong waves after leaving Patnanungan, near the Pacific Ocean, on Tuesday morning.
The fisherman was unable to repair the boat and just left it adrift before rowing to reach Cagbalete island in Mauban town at around 3am on Thursday.
The search team found Miranda in good health and living with her sister, who lives on the island.
Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, commander of PCG-DST, advised fishermen to avoid sailing during adverse weather conditions and rough seas.
He said marine vessels should also be equipped with basic repair tools and spare parts to resolve unforeseen problems during navigation.
Sea travel for small vessels in northern Quezon remained suspended on Friday due to rough seas, the PCG-DST said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon.
The statement cited a forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration that a strong gale associated with the northeast monsoon was expected to affect northern Quezon, off the Pacific Ocean.
This meant the suspension of all trips by ships with a gross tonnage of 250 tons or less, such as motorized passenger or fishing boats, in the area.
On Wednesday, authorities began suspending sea travel by small motorized passenger or fishing boats in these areas.
The suspension order would be lifted once weather and sea conditions improved, the PCG said. INQ
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