PCG: Personnel of BRP Tubbataha (MRRV 4401) rendered medical assistance to a Filipino fisherman named Mr. Robert Dela Cruz, a 39-year old resident of Barangay Washington, Pantalan Uno, Surigao City who was found drifting along vicinity 51 nautical miles Southeast of Anguar Palau, Island and 490 nautical miles East of Davao Region and rescued by the crew of M/T Seri Begawan, a Malaysian flagged tanker vessel last Saturday, May 27.

Initial reports revealed that on May 26, Coast Guard District South Eastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) Operation Center received information from the said Malaysian vessel seeking for assistance regarding the rescued Filipino fisherman. CGDSEM then directed MRRV 4401 which immediately proceeded to the incident area with medical personnel onboard. Upon arrival thereat, PCG Medical Team determined that Mr. Dela Cruz was exhausted and dehydrated but in stable condition. They likewise provided food, clothing and accommodation to the subject rescued fisherman.

Meanwhile, interview conducted by the PCG to the rescued fisherman disclosed that Mr. Dela Cruz and his companions went for a fishing venture last April 26 at the Pacific Ocean onboard their mother boat but he separated from the other 18 crews using a small boat to catch fish. But when Mr. Dela Cruz decided to go back to their designated fishing area, he couldn’t locate his companions. After hours of searching, he eventually ran out of gasoline and started drifting. Mr. Dela Cruz eventually survived by just eating fresh fish and drinking rain water for 21 days.

Finally, Captain Marco Antonio Gines PCG, Commanding Officer of MRRV 4401 presented a Certificate of Appreciation and Letter of Commendation to the Captain and crews of M/T Seri Begawan headed by Captain Manjit K. Lal for their humanitarian act of rescuing the Filipino fisherman. They were later sent off to their next point of voyage. On the other hand, the subject Filipino survivor was turned-over to his family for proper disposition.