A 41-year-old fisherman was found dead floating in the waters off Pulo Pitas in Barangay Bolong, Zamboanga City, a day after he reportedly fell from his own fishing boat while at sea before dawn on Saturday.
The victim was identified as Benhar Alam, a resident of the coastal community who had gone out fishing during the early hours of May 16.
According to Barangay Kagawad Ronnie Tarroza Rosete, the victim’s companions reported the incident to barangay authorities at around 7:00 a.m. on Saturday after discovering Alam’s boat drifting aimlessly in the waters near Pulo Pitas with no one onboard.
The alarming discovery immediately prompted local officials of Barangay Bolong, led by Punong Barangay Ruben Coros, to launch an emergency response and coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard for a search and retrieval operation in the area.
Rescuers and fellow fishermen combed the surrounding waters throughout the day, but the victim remained missing despite hours of search efforts.
At around 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, local fishermen navigating the same waters discovered Alam’s lifeless body still floating in the sea near Pulo Pitas, bringing a tragic end to the overnight search operation.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators are currently looking into whether rough sea conditions, exhaustion, or an accidental fall may have contributed to the fisherman’s death.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced daily by small-scale fishermen who venture into open waters before dawn to earn a living for their families.