MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted search and rescue operations for a distressed fishing vessel off the waters of Bataan.

The PCG said its vessel BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) detected Fishing Vessel Seriako 1 on radar at around 3:20 p.m. and made visual contact with it at about 4:05 p.m. The Coast Guard immediately launched a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) to provide assistance.

All nine crew members of Seriako 1 were safely transferred to the PCG vessel, where personnel from the Coast Guard Medical Service and Nursing Service conducted physical check-ups and recorded their vital signs. Two crew members sustained injuries and were given first aid treatment, while the rest were in good condition.

The wounded fishermen remained aboard the BRP Cape San Agustin, while the seven others returned to their fishing vessel, which was towed toward Mariveles, Bataan.

By 11:35 a.m. on October 6, the fishing boat was successfully being towed, and at around 11:50 a.m., towing operations were handed over to another vessel, FV Jasmine Rose, which continued the tow to Barangay Sisiman, Mariveles.

According to the report, FV Seriako 1 had departed from Mariveles, Bataan on October 1 for a fishing expedition near Bajo de Masinloc. The crew, including the boat captain, decided to return home on October 2 after their vessel experienced engine failure.

The PCG assured that all rescued fishermen were safe and accounted for following the operation.