18 fishers survive huge waves in Maguindanao
Credit to Author: JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL, TMT| Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2019 17:53:38 +0000
COTABATO CITY: Eighteen fishermen on Thursday survived the strong waves, triggered by Tropical Depression “Marilyn,” which wrecked their fishing boat off the coast of Maguindanao.
The 18 crew members, who were all from Lebak in Sultan Kudarat, survived but their vessel, MV Sea Target, was a total wreck.
Survivors said they were navigating toward the coastline of Lebak from the town of Sultan Naga Dimaporo in Lanao del Sur when the big waves battered the vessel at past 7 p.m. near the town of Datu Blah Sinsuat.
The fishermen were able to transfer to a smaller banca, which accompanied the big fishing vessel. They stayed afloat until fishermen from Barangay Nalkan of Datu Blah Sinsuat found and rescued them.
Moamar Manalao, chairman of Barangay Nalkan led the rescue team and fed the fishermen.
Manalao’s men also helped bring the damaged fishing vessel to the coast of Nalkan.
“They told me huge waves destroyed the vessel,” Manalao said.
According to the survivors, the waves were as high as a two-story building.
The affected fishermen were assisted back to their hometown in Lebak.