The United States Navy’s 7th Fleet on Friday (Manila time) said three Filipino fishermen were rescued after being found adrift in the South China Sea on New Year’s Day.
In a statement by its Public Affairs unit, the 7th Fleet said the crew of the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) spotted a distressed fishing vessel at about 12:45 p.m.
“The ship launched a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to recover the fishermen,” the statement read.
“The three individuals, later identified as citizens of the Republic of the Philippines, were brought aboard Cesar Chavez and evaluated by the ship’s medical staff. All three were found to be in good health,” it added.
Philippine authorities were promptly notified of the incident, the 7th Fleet said.
According to the statement, the fishermen said their boat’s engine flooded on December 28 after encountering heavy seas, leaving them unable to maneuver and adrift for several days.
They departed port on December 27 and survived by rationing their remaining food and water until help arrived.
US authorities coordinated with the Philippine government to ensure the fishermen’s safe return to the country.
“Professional and vigilant watch standing procedures enabled the crew to locate and recover the distressed fishermen quickly and safely. Cesar Chavez conducts routine logistics and resupply missions in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet,” the US Navy said.
GMA News Online has sought comment from the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard about the incident but they have yet to respond as of posting time.
Last week, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said a Chinese Navy ship supposedly helped a Filipino fisherman in the West Philippine Sea, but the Philippine Coast Guard rejected this account. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
