PCG: An old fisherman was found dead by the search and rescue team of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Basco at the vicinity waters of Valugan Bay last Saturday, April 12. 

The victim, identified as Victorio Villarta, 79, reportedly went fishing onboard an unmarked fishing boat in the early morning of Saturday but failed to return home before 7:00 AM as expected by his relatives. 

Investigation revealed that Villarta fell overboard and drowned due to inclement weather.

The incident was immediately reported to the Coast Guard by a certain Juana Batan, a resident of Brgy. San Joaquin, Basco, Batanes. 

The personnel of CGS Basco conducted a surface search and rescue operation together with Mrs Batan. After an hour of scouring the waters of Valugan Bay, the team sighted a floating cadaver approximately 200 meters away from the shoreline off Baranagay Valugan which was later identified by the informant as Villarta.

Subsequently, the said team successfully retrieved the cadaver of said fisherman and properly turned-over to the bereaved family.