Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental — In a tense, high-stakes rescue against raging seas and an approaching typhoon, the Philippine Coast Guard’s High-Speed Response Boat (HSRB) 033 saved two fishermen after their vessel was found half-submerged off the waters of Governor Generoso on Thursday morning, August 14.
At around 7:30 a.m., the HSRB 033 was patrolling approximately 7.87 nautical miles from the shoreline of Barangay Sigaboy when its crew spotted the FBCA Yanna Alpritz listing dangerously in the choppy waters. Inside were fishermen Marken Sumalpong, 32, and Ranel Sanico, 29 — both residents of Sigaboy — clinging to hope as their boat slowly took in water.
The calamity began when a massive yellowfin tuna — weighing possibly hundreds of kilos — rammed the wooden hull, punching a hole that allowed seawater to pour in. With the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) already stirring the waves and Typhoon Gorio bringing worsening weather, the men faced a deadly combination of nature’s fury.
“The sea was rough, the wind was strong, and the vessel was sinking fast,” a Coast Guard officer at the scene said. “Every second counted.”
Without hesitation, the HSRB 033 maneuvered through the swell, closing in on the half-submerged vessel while battling gusts and shifting currents. In a coordinated effort, the crew hauled the two men aboard and secured the waterlogged Yanna Alpritz before it could fully disappear beneath the waves.
Both survivors were safely brought ashore and turned over to the Coast Guard Sub-Station Governor Generoso for assistance.
The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao has since renewed its call for all fisherfolk and seafarers to heed weather advisories before setting sail — especially with storms and rough seas becoming increasingly unpredictable.
“This rescue could have ended very differently,” the officer added, “but quick action and preparedness saved lives today.”