TACLOBAN CITY — Seven fishermen from Surigao City were rescued Wednesday afternoon off San Francisco, Southern Leyte after strong waves whipped by Tropical Storm Falcon overturned their fishing boat.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here said the sea mishap took place between the coastal villages of Marayag and Pinamudlan in San Francisco town.
The fishermen survived by holding on to floating empty containers for 11 hours until they were drifted by waves to San Francisco town.
The group left Surigao City Wednesday dawn and headed to Southern Leyte area. Big waves slammed their boat and turned it upside down just two hours after departure.
Rescued were Joseph Mapalo, 30; Albert Saluta, 38; Ronie Ababon, 31; Nestor Poralel, 55; Roy Anlagan, 37; Noel Angub, 55; and Roy Contreras, 38, the fishing boat operator. They are all residents of San Juan village, Surigao City in Surigao del Norte.
All passengers were rescued unharmed and were brought to San Francisco rural health unit for a medical checkup. -PNA
