3 missing fishermen rescued off Pangasinan

INFANTA, Pangasinan , Philippines  —  Three local fishermen, who were earlier reported missing after their boat capsized, were  rescued in the waters off Agno town in this province yesterday morning.

Roy Mas, Diosdado Gumtang and Ariel Gumtang, all of Barangay Cato, were among five crewmembers of M/B Vanze Allen, which capsized in Infanta’s coastal waters on Friday.

Their two companions, Felipe Arabis and Alejandro Ali, were rescued by a passing fishing boat shortly after the incident.

Charlito Maniago, chairman of Barangay Cato, told The STAR that he asked the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office to pick up the fishermen in Agno.

The Vanze Allen was on its way home from a fishing expedition in the West Philippine Sea when it was battered by the waves.

The crewmembers transferred to two smaller motorboats, but the one used by the three fishermen developed engine trouble.

Crewmembers of M/B Marvin spotted and rescued Arabis and Ali.

Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard based in Barangay Cato along with local volunteers launched a search and rescue operation for the missing fishermen.