Three Filipino fishermen who were left drifting at sea for several days after their fishing boat suffered engine trouble were rescued by a United States Navy cargo ship on New Year’s Day, according to the US Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The rescue happened at around 12:45 p.m. on January 1, when the USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14), a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship, spotted a distressed fishing vessel while sailing through the South China Sea.

The ship was carrying out routine logistics and resupply operations in support of the US 7th Fleet at the time.

The US Navy said crew members on watch alerted the bridge as soon as the vessel was seen. A rigid-hulled inflatable boat was then launched to bring the three fishermen aboard.

They were checked by the ship’s medical team and were found to be in good health. Philippine authorities were informed soon after the rescue.

Based on information shared by the US Navy, the fishermen said their boat’s engine was flooded by heavy seas on December 28, leaving them unable to move. They had left port on December 27 and managed to survive by rationing their food and water while drifting.

The Philippine Coast Guard later confirmed the rescue and identified the fishermen as Michael Lebios, Michael John Lebios and Lorjun Lupague.

The PCG said they were found about 50 nautical miles west of Bolinao, Pangasinan, an area that lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which extends up to 200 nautical miles from the coast.

The PCG also said that, according to information from the US Navy, the fishermen were clinging to their partially submerged motorbanca, which had been tied to a payao, when they were spotted by the US Navy ship.

After the rescue, the fishermen were turned over to Philippine authorities at Riviera Pier in Olongapo City, Zambales. The PCG and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Infanta provided medical assistance and confirmed that all three were in good physical condition.

The PCG expressed its thanks to the crew of the USNS Cesar Chavez for the timely humanitarian assistance and said it remains committed to ensuring the safety of Filipino fisherfolk at sea.

References: philstar, mb