Search on for missing fisher in Masbate sea collision

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz, Philippine News Agency

FILE: SEARCHING. Philippine Coast Guard personnel are coordinating with local fisherfolk on the search for a missing fisherman in Masbate waters on Thursday (Aug. 15, 2024). The PCG said the fisher went missing after their boat collided with another vessel off Burias Island in Masbate on Saturday (Aug. 10). (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard/Facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) launched a search and rescue (SAR) mission for a missing fisherman after a collision between a fishing motor banca and an unidentified vessel in waters off Burias Island, Masbate on Saturday.

In an incident report on Thursday, the PCG said the SAR operation — conducted by PCG Sub-Station San Pascual in Masbate — is being coordinated with neighboring villages, including local fisherfolk, for possible sightings of the missing 23-year-old Roldan Marientes.

The PCG Station Masbate said Marientes and his brother Roland, 37, were asleep when an unidentified vessel collided with their boat, MBCA Dandan.

“At around 11 a.m., the older fisherman was sighted and rescued by MV Virgen De Penafancia XII of Starhorse Shipping Lines Inc. while transiting Burias Island en route to Masbate City Port,” it said.

The PCG continues its investigation to identify the other vessel involved in the collision.