Two missing fishermen from Sipalay City survive six days floating at sea in damage fishing boat

whereinbacolod February 23, 2021

Two fishermen from Sipalay City, Negros Occidental was rescued over the coast of Ciocon, Zamboanga Del Norte - six days after floating at sea with their damaged fishing boat.

Photo credit: Dionilo Rodero Bogtae / Facebook

Alexander Alagao, 73; and Rico Norquia, 57, both residents of Barangay 5 were reported missing on February 18, 2021 when they failed to go home after their wooden motor fishing boat encountered engine failure.

Sipalay City DRRMO together with Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Sipalay sub-station conducted a search and rescue operation but they failed to see the two fishermen.

Photo credit: Dionilo Rodero Bogtae / Facebook

Lacking any way to steer or power their boat, the two drifted across the Sulu sea due to strong water current. According to the head of the Public Safety and Sipalay Emergency Assistance and Rescue Service Dionilo Bogtae, he received a call from the authorities from Ciocon town informing him that the two fishermen were both alive.

Authorities from both local government units are coordinating for their home coming.