By LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO
Rescuers have recovered the bodies of six missing crew members of a fishing boat that capsized off Baragay San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Nando, raising the death toll to seven.
Authorities said 13 crew members were aboard the vessel marked “JOVENS” when it was swept away by strong winds and towering waves around 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 22.
Six survivors—one from Dilasag, Aurora; four from Quezon Province; and one from Daet, Camarines Norte—were rescued and immediately treated at the Sta. Ana Community Hospital, according to a report from the Sta. Ana Police Station.
The seven fatalities were identified as one from Sto. Niño, Cagayan; five from Quezon Province; and one from Real, Aurora.
The boat had been temporarily docked at San Vicente Port, serving as a storm shelter for fishermen when the typhoon struck.
A joint search, rescue, and retrieval operation was launched by the Sta. Ana Police Station, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, PNP Maritime Group, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Sta. Ana, and local fishermen.
