7 Fishermen Rescued in Balatan, Camarines Sur

PROVINCIAL CAPITOL, PILI, CAMARINES SUR (13 January 2011) –SEVEN FISHERMEN were reported rescued last January 11 by vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard in the Island of Amesola in the coastal municipality of Balatan, Camarines Sur, after being lost at sea since last week.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council chaired by “Chi” Bermejo reported that the vessel used by the fishermen was earlier found wrecked by giant waves off-coast of Burias Island in Masbate Province, leading to reports that the lost fishermen have perished at sea.

Reportedly, Coast Guard crew recovered the fishermen in Amesola Island and later brought to Balatas town on Tuesday by a privately owned seacraft.

Five of the rescued  fishermen were identified as: Geovani Ricarte, 30; Oscar Ricarte, 28; Benmark Collarde, 16; Salvador Tejares Sr., 40; and Gaudencio Baraquel, 30, all residents of Balatan, Camarines Sur.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Catanduanes reported on Wednesday that the bodies of two persons were also recovered in the coastal locality of Canlubi, Pandan, Catanduanes Province.

One of the two recovered dead was identified as Joseph Soledad, reportedly one among five Catanduanes fishermen lost at sea since January 3.

The five fishermen were reportedly lost after they sailed in their fishing vessel from the coastal locality of Cagdarao, Panganiban, Catanduanes last week.

Earlier, Army Lt. Col. Danilo Aquino of the 83rd Infantry Battalion, reported that a survivor identified as Joselito Soledad, 19 was found at the Coastlines of Baldok, Pandan town last Sunday (January 9).

Joselito claimed he was among the missing fishermen which included two of his missing brothers Joseph, 33, and Jerry, 30; and his cousins, Ranie, 20 and Ricky, 28, both surnamed Villar. (SONNY SALES)