PCG: A total of 40 fishermen were successfully rescued after Fishing Banca “Junel Enzo” capsized at approximately six nautical miles off Pandan, Catanduanes last Saturday, November 11.

Accordingly, the incident was reported to Coast Guard Station Catanduanes which immediately directed CGSS Pandan to verify the said report. While the joint search and rescue (SAR) team composed of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Pandan, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Local Government Unit of Pandan was enroute to conduct rescue operations, 15 passengers were initially rescued by a passing fishing banca. Said passengers, all in good physical condition, were then turned-over to CGSS Pandan for proper disposition.

Upon arrival thereat, all 25 remaining passengers were then rescued by the joint rescue team and were brought to CGSS Pandan for further investigation and medical assessment.

As per inquiry made with one of the survivors namely, Gener Caballero, Fbca Junel Enzo departed from Port of Bacacay, Albay at 10 PM of November 10 to conduct fishing venture. While enroute to the fishing ground, about 48 nautical miles North off Pandan Point, they encountered heavy rains and strong waves resulting to damages at their port bow freeboard causing subject fishing banca to capsize at the vicinity waters eight nautical miles East off Maturin Rock, Pandan.

The distressed motorbanca was then safely towed by personnel of CGSS Pandan enroute to Bacacay Port for proper disposition.