By Jennifer P. Rendon
The fishermen who went missing over the weekend has been found.
However, Ernie Tayo, 39, of Barangay Lantangan, Carles, Iloilo, was already lifeless when his fellow fishermen discovered his body at the shoreline of Bantigue Islet in Barangay Gabi, Gigantes Island in Carles around 9 am Tuesday, Oct 27, 2020.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Val Estoy of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Carles Sub-Station said the area where Tayo’s body was found was located several hundred meters from where they went dive fishing early morning of Oct 25.
One of Tayo’s fishing companions saw his body sprawled on the shoreline, as they went back to the area to conduct their own search operation.
Tayo was reported missing after going out to sea as “Quinta” intensified into a typhoon on Sunday.
PCG-Carles Sub-Station said they received report of a missing fisherman around 10:30 a.m. of the said day.
But it was believed that Tayo may have been missing as early as 2 am.
The victim, together with the 22-year old Eden and and Ralfy Aguirre, 39, left the coastal village of Lantangan around 4 pm Saturday for dive fishing with the use of air compressor.
Bacea said Tayo was the only one who did the dive while his companions waited at the boat.
It was believed that the hose from the compressor got cut off.
His companions claimed that the flashlight and hose later floated.
Members of the PCG attempted to conduct search and rescue operation but went against it due to strong winds and giant waves.
