BURGOS, Ilocos Norte (Aug. 30)– The two fishermen, who were reported missing in the high seas last Sunday, were rescued off Fuga Island near Aparri, Cagayan and have finally returned home and reunited with their families here on Wednesday.
Senior Inspector Arnel Tabuag, police chief of this town, reported that the two fishermen appeared weak and pale due to starvation and lack of sleep.
S/Petty Officer Ernesto Floresca, station commander of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) based in Currimao, Ilocos Norte identified the two fishermen as Marcelo Gervacio and his son-in-law Ralph Aldrin Delgado. Both were rescued by a group of fishermen off the coast of Fuga Island near Aparri, Cagayan.
Gervacio recalled that their vessel’s motor conked out while fishing off Burgos water due to strong wave spawned by Typhoon Igme and monsoon rain. Their boat drifted towards Pagudpud until farther north. For one day and one night without food and water, the duo manned their troubled boat to the direction of Fuga Island.
He added that their sea ordeal was a very difficult experience. (Theo Guiang)
