MANILA, Philippines – After nearly three weeks at sea, five Filipino fishermen who survived by eating fish and algae have been rescued and brought home safely, while the search continues for three others still missing.

The fishermen, who set sail from Naic, Cavite aboard FBCA Prince Elmo 2, were rammed by an unidentified vessel near Lubang Island on the night of January 30, according to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Deputy Spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Michael John Encina.

Stranded in open waters, the five surviving crew members drifted for days before being rescued by the foreign cargo vessel MV Dong An in the Spratly Islands on February 16.
They were later turned over to the PCG vessel BRP Boracay (FPB-2401) near Corregidor Island on February 19.

“They survived on fish and algae,” Encina said, adding that all five were found in good physical condition following a medical debriefing.

The rescued fishermen have been turned over to local authorities, but the fate of their three missing crewmates remains uncertain. 

The PCG, in coordination with other maritime agencies, continues to search for them.

Authorities are also investigating the vessel responsible for ramming Prince Elmo 2, as concerns grow over maritime safety and accountability in Philippine waters.