NATION

3 missing fishermen rescued after 20 hours at sea

Jing Villamente · Aug 22, 2026, 2:10 PM

Dispute China considers nearly the entire South China Sea as its territory, including the West Philippine Sea which overlaps with it. The Philippines says otherwise backed by a 2016 arbitral ruling. — Jam Sta Rosa/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Three fishermen who had been reported missing were found and rescued in Balayan Bay, Batangas, after spending about 20 hours stranded at sea due to engine trouble, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Saturday.

According to the PCG, the fishermen encountered engine trouble aboard their motorized banca at around 3 a.m. Thursday, 20 August, while returning to shore after fishing.

The fishermen had no communication equipment and were unable to immediately inform their families about their situation.

At around 11:30 p.m., fellow fishermen spotted their banca near Barangay Anak Dagat in Lemery, prompting a response from the PCG.

Coast Guard personnel confirmed that all three fishermen were safe. Barangay health workers examined them and found no injuries.

Following the incident, the PCG reminded fishermen to carry appropriate communication devices and necessary safety equipment before heading out to sea.