US Sailors Save Filipino fishermen

 

USNS Impeccable Commanding Officer Capt. Robert Wiechert said in a report that while en route to the port of Subic, they spotted lights and people waving from a floundering small vessel at around 6:00 pm on Sunday. The Americans successfully rescued all 11 Filipino fishermen and brought them to the Subic Freeport.(USEmbassyPhoto)
The SBMA medical and rescue team, along with SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Randy Escolango (4th from left), attend to the rescued fishermen upon arrival at the Subic Bay Freeport.
USNS Impeccable personnel attend to Filipino fishermen they spotted and rescued while en route to the port of Subic. The Americans successfully rescued all 11 fishermen and brought them to the Subic Freeport.(USEmbassyPhoto)

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia has announced that 11 Filipino fishermen were rescued in the West Philippine Sea recently by the crew of the USNS Impeccable, an American survey ship,

 

According to Garcia, Capt. Robert Wiechert of the USNS Impeccable said in a report that while en route to the port of Subic, they spotted lights and people waving from a floundering small vessel at around 6:00 pm on Sunday.

The Impeccable Master immediately deemed assistance was required and began preparations to deploy their rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to rescue the personnel.

Despite the prevailing rough waters, the American ship was able to maneuver closer to the capsized vessel four hours after and launched a rescue boat that took in the distressed fishermen. All 11 were brought to the Impeccable and given medical attention, food and clean clothing

“This was a team effort with civilian mariners, SECDET [security detachment], MILDET [military detachment] and Lockheed Martin working together to achieve an efficient rescue of all 11 fishermen,” said Robert Wiechert, Impeccable’s Master.

Garcia thanked the crew of USNS Impeccable and said that the rescued fishermen are safe and will be going back to their families.

The rescued fishers were identified as Fernando R. Rebata; Jay-R A. Encarguez; Daniel B. Canaway; Wilson E. Etak; Jerry T. Oliviero; Armando D. Polo; Rueben M. Lebios; Vergel A. Ecarges; Charlie R. Dumaz; Eddie V. Benveniga; all from Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan, and Ariel P. Balaquit of Barangay Naulo, Santa Cruz, Zambales.

Impeccable, they were examined by medical personnel and given food and water. No serious injuries or illnesses were reported.

Shortly after Impeccable arrived in port in Subic Bay, all 11 mariners were turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard Auxillary in Subic headed by SBMA Deputy Administrator for Legal Randy Escolango, who, on authority of Chairman Garcia, arranged for their return to their respective homes and families.

 

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