PCG: Ten fishermen onboard fishing banca "Princess Janin" were rescued by personnel of Coast Guard Sub Station (CGSS) Semirara at vicinity waters of Semirara Island last January 22.

Said fishing banca encountered engine trouble while transiting the area from Brooke's Point, Palawan enroute to Masbate City on January 20.

The crew tried to repair the derangement of the banca's engine however failed, causing her to drift towards the coral reef area of Sitio Bundao in Brgy Semirara, Caluya, Antique. The fishing banca started taking in sea water and subsequently submerged.

A certain Mr Edmund Abellanoza reported the incident to CGSS Semirara and immediately conducted search and rescue (SAR) operation. The SAR team successfully rescued the ten fishermen namely:

1. Jaime Mahusay - 56 y/o

2. Toto Bacasmo - 33 y/o

3. Jeffrey Balangawan -45 y/o

4. Jesus Mahinay - 42 y/o

5. Ranel Solamo - 28 y/o

6. John Flores - 30 y/o

7. Roland Gerosanie - 40 y/o

8. Gil Gerosanie - 43 y/o

9. Romeo Manansala - 48 y/o

10. Rene Cernal - 52 y/o

All survivors were in good physical condition. The SAR team towed fishing banca “Princess Janin” and moored her near Coast Guard Station San Jose De Buenavista in Antique. The team also advised the boat captain to file a marine protest relative to the incident.