The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rescued three fishermen onboard a missing motorbanca at the vicinity waters off Benham Rise 50 nautical miles northeast of Pandan, Catanduanes on 20 October 2021.

After four hours of search and rescue (SAR) operations, the PCG was able to locate the missing fishermen who were on board the distressed motorbanca, F/BCA BENEDECT UNO that was dead on the water. The SAR team towed the said boat to the shoreline of Barangay Del Norte, Pandan, Catanduanes for needed repairs.

During the initial assessment, the PCG confirmed that 59-year-old Romeo Bernardo, 54-year-old Freddie Lubiano, and 44-year-old Glen Lopez were all in good physical condition.

According to Boat Captain Lubiano, they encountered engine trouble while en route back to Barangay Napo, Pandan, Catanduanes after a fishing operation at the vicinity waters off Benham Rise.

When they inspected the distressed motorbanca, they found out that the engine absorbed salt through seawater and was diluted to the engine fuel.

After the investigation, the PCG transported the rescued fishermen to their respective families at Barangay Napo.