One fisherman was found dead while another remained missing after their two motorized bancas capsized in waters off Balicasag, Panglao at around 9 p.m. on Tuesday amid poor weather conditions.
Authorities identified the fatality as Joseph Glenn Arasan and the missing person as Jovane Bologa, both residents of Barangay Tabalong, Dauis.
According to Seaman 1st Class Ralph Bajaran, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Panglao assistant commander, both men suddenly encountered strong winds and waves while fishing.
The harsh weather conditions reportedly then caused the fishermen’s boats, the MB Señor Sto. Niño 1 and MB Señor Sto. Niño 2, to tip over.
Arasan’s lifeless body was found in Balicasag seawaters as pointed out by his uncle Herman while the PCG enlisted the aid of fishermen in searching for Bologa who was still missing.
It was Dauis Mayor Miriam Sumaylo who first reported the incident to the PCG prompting its personnel to immediately launch the rescue operation, said Barajan.
Meanwhile, two other fishermen, Reynaldo Mission, 48, and Victor Cabeles, 46, were rescued by authorities and safely taken to shore after their boat sank in waters off Alburquerque.
The said boat capsized near Tagbuane, Alburquerque at around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, said Seaman 2nd Class Martin Pacaña of PCG Tagbilaran station.
Both fishermen were uninjured, said Pacaña. (Rey Tutas)