3 dead as 7 fishing boats sink off Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Three persons died, two remain missing while around 120 crew members survived when seven fishing boats, locally known as palakaya, were destroyed by big waves off Zamboanga del Sur last week, a local Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) official said yesterday.

At least nine fishing boats – five from Pagadian City and four from Tukuran town in Zamboanga del Sur – sailed at the height of tropical storm “Ofel” last Oct. 24 despite the warning for small sea craft not to venture out to sea.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Ronald Tolentino, PCG commander based in Pagadian City, said they learned of the incident when two fishing boats returned to the shore.

 Junniel Sabalo, one of the survivors, said they survived by hanging on to bamboo poles used as outriggers and plastic containers they were carrying.

PCG authorities said they recovered the bodies of the three fishermen.