RESCUED AT SEA. Four fishermen from Bolinao, Pangasinan, whose banca capsized in the waters of the South China Sea on Nov. 1, were rescued Thursday by Panamanian vessel MV Heng Shun Men, at Vicinity 35 NM West of Cape Bolinao.

Four Filipino fishermen onboard a capsized motorbanca were rescued by a foreign vessel MV Heng Shun Men at vicinity 35 NM West of Cape Bolinao, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday.

Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, PCG Commandant, identified the four fishermen as Mario F. Zamora, 34; Rolando L. Herbese, 38; Diosdado C. Pesudas, 34; and Lonito L. Saligumba, 45.

Lt. Commander Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said four Filipino fishermen onboard motor banca John Andre were successfully rescued by MV Heng Shun Men, a Panamanian registered bulk carrier en route to China from Singapore, with 24 crew onboard on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at vicinity 35 NM West of Cape Bolinao.

Coast Guard Action Center disclosed that the report was received from China Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (China-MRCC) informing that MV Heng Shun Men rescued four fishermen on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Coast Guard Action Center immediately informed Coast Guard District Northern Luzon to contact MV Heng Shun Men. Coast Guard District Northern Luzon coordinated with the master of MV Heng Shun Men for the safe transfer/disembarkation of rescued fishermen at San Fernando City anchorage area in La Union.

Coast Guard Station San Fernando personnel on board MT Stanford of Malayan Towage Corporation proceeded to the area to rendezvous the vessel. The four rescued fishermen were properly turned over to Coast Guard personnel on Thursday at 7:20 p.m.

The survivors were brought to Coast Guard District Norhern Luzon and given medical attention by District Medical Officer and the medical team from San Fernando City Health Office.

Investigation revealed that motorbanca John Andre went out for fishing venture last Nov. 1 at 3 p.m. but was battered by strong winds and big waves the following day, Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. causing the motorbanca to capsize.

The fishermen managed to hold to the broken outrigger that served as their floater for more than two days. They were spotted and rescued by MV Heng Shun Men at 35 nautical miles west of Cape Bolinao. All survivors are in good physical condition.