PCG: Elements of Coast Guard Station Balabac, yesterday, March 21 rescued the crew of an international cargo vessel after he went overboard at vicinity waters off Balabac, Palawan on March 20.

Coast Guard Station (CGS) Brooke’s Point received an electronic mail from CG District Palawan regarding the missing crew of M/V “SBI Aries” at the said vicinity. Upon receiving the said report, Lieutenant Commander Christian Jazmin, Station Commander of CGS Brooke’s Point, directed CGS Balabac to verify the veracity of the said report and to conduct search and rescue operation. CGS Balabac then proceeded to the said area and established communication with M/V “SBI Aries.

Upon arrival thereat, the team scoured the area using search light and spotted a floating person identified as Mr Ammar de Leon, 37 years old and a resident of Nueva Ecija waving his hands while wearing life jacket. The team immediately approached the victim and brought him to CGS Brooke’s Point for medical attention and investigation.

Upon inquiries to Mr de Leon, he intentionally jumped off from the vessel wearing life jacket since there is a threat in his life but is still under investigation.

As of press time, Mr de Leon is in good physical condition and on his way today, March 22 to CGD Palawan from Balabac to meet the agent of his company.