Four fishermen who went on a fishing venture in Pangasinan are now missing and subject to the search and rescue operation of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Air Force.
In a report reaching the PCG headquarters in Manila, it said that PCG and PAF are now looking for the missing fishermen on board motorbanca 'Pepito 3', in the vicinity waters off Barangay Cato in Infanta, Pangasinan.
At around 8:50 p.m. on 12 November 2023, the PCG received the report regarding the missing motorbanca.
The PCG tapped the PAF which deployed air assets to augment the SAR operations.
Meanwhile, the PCG said it also responded to a grounding incident involving barge, TML BLUE SKY JAY, towed by tugboat, MTUG TML THE CEO, in the seawaters of Bais Sand Bar, Barangay Okiot, Bais City, Negros Oriental at around 11:15 a.m. on 15 November 2023.
The vessels were en route to Campuyo, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental from Semirara, Antique when they encountered rough sea conditions.
The distressed barge was also loaded with 1600 MT of industrial coal when the maritime incident occurred.
MTUG The CEO had difficulty in tendering the towing line, causing the towing rope to entangle the propeller and the tugboat to be unable to maneuver the barge.
The PCG immediately assisted them and assessed the barge's condition.
The PCG continuously monitors the arrival of the responding tugboat that will tow the distressed vessels to Barangay Campuyo, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental during high tide.
The PCG also advised the captain to file a marine protest.
