MANILA — Two Filipino fishermen, who were drifting at sea for seven days, were rescued by a Taiwanese fishing vessel 75 nautical miles northeast off Batanes on June 17, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) said Tuesday.
Gilbert Dacaya, 18, and Romnick Rivera, 17, both residents of Barangay Minabel, Camiguin Island went fishing at the northeastern part of Camiguin Island on June 11.
While fishing, the two encountered engine trouble, causing them to drift northeast of Yami Island, also known as the Mavulis Island, where they stayed afloat for seven days. They were rescued by the Taiwanese fishing vessel Juin Fwu Shing which happened to pass through the nearby waters.
The Taiwan Coast Guard immediately sent its Taitung Cutter CG133 to pick up the fishermen from Jiun Fwu Shing.
TECO said the cutter arrived at the vicinity of Basco Port around 6:30 p.m. on Monday and transferred the fishermen to M/B Cape Faro with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on board.
The PCG, together with the rescued fishermen, arrived safely at the port on the same day at around 7:30 p.m.
Dacaya and Rivera were then immediately brought to Basco General Hospital for medical checkup. Both were assessed in good condition.
The two, who traveled to Tuguegarao City on Tuesday, were en route to Camiguin Island.
TECO did not give the full name of Jiun Fwu Shing’s captain but quoted him as saying: “It is a great pleasure to save lives at sea.”
TECO said the rescue reflects “Taiwan’s goodwill and friendship” towards the Philippines.
“Furnishing (a) safe environment and rescuing those who are in distress in the overlapping waters between Taiwan and Philippines are the common goal of both countries. The Philippines and Taiwan are good neighbors and share a long-standing friendship,” it said in a statement. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA)
