Fisherman rescued in West Philippine Sea returns to Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — A fisherman from Palawan who was rescued in the West Philippine Sea by the Philippine Navy arrived in Puerto Princesa City on Sunday and will soon be reunited with his family.

In a release, the Philippine Navy said Albert Carcuevas, 33, from Rizal town in Palawan, was fishing when his banca developed engine trouble. He drifted towards the West Philippine Sea and had been floating for three days without food and water until he was rescued by Navy personnel near Dalagang Bukid Shoal on March 23.

He stayed on Ayungin Shoal, which is around 194 kilometers from Palawan and where the Navy has personnel stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57).

Carcuevas sailed back to Puerta Princesa on the BRP Benguet (LS-507). He was given a medical checkup at Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon in Puerto Princesa.

"He is in stable condition and expressed his gratefulness to the Navy for the assistance extended to him. Over-all, the Western Command's Joint Task Force West has ensured his safe return and he will be soon reunited with his family in Rizal," the Navy said.