By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY — Four fishermen survived hunger, thirst, and cold for six days before their rescue last Sunday in Barangay Alim, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.
The fishermen, aged 74, 52, 43, and 17, hailed from Barangay Calaya, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, said Commander Paterno Belarmino Jr., head of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Northern Negros Occidental.
“They ventured out at about 5 p.m. on April 9. Big waves and strong winds overturned their boat,” Belarmino reported.
One fisherman recounted being swept toward Antique by strong currents before reaching Hinoba-an.
“At one point, one was ready to give up after being ignored by other fishermen,” Belarmino said.
Yet, the eldest, a 74-year-old boat owner, encouraged the others, affirming his desire to survive the ordeal.
The men subsisted on raw fish and seawater while clinging to their capsized vessel, Belarmino explained.
“A group from Barangay Alim rescued them around 10 a.m. last Sunday (April 14),” he said.
After receiving a day’s treatment for dehydration and exhaustion, they were transported back to Guimaras aboard the PCG’s Fast Patrol Boat 2404 BRP KALANGGAMAN from Bacolod’s Bredco port, arriving safely at approximately 6 p.m. on April 15.
