4 Micronesian fishers rescued

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Four Micronesian fishermen, who were adrift in the Pacific Ocean for 45 days, have been rescued by their Filipino counterparts, the Coast Guard said yesterday.

The ordeal of the four men from Truk Island began on Feb. 5 when their boat engine died while en route to Neema Island, Coast Guard station commander George Ursabia said.

The four, identified as Mapaiche Pechain, Musten Baisalo, Leancy Otto and Repel Raid, were rescued by a Manila-based fishing vessel on March 21, Ursabia told reporters.

"They survived the 45-day ordeal at the high seas by sipping rainwater," he added.

The boat arrived here with the Micronesians last Tuesday. The four would be repatriated shortly, Ursabia said. — John Paul Jubelag, AFP