JOSE ABAD SANTOS, Davao Occidental — A fisherman stranded at sea after his boat suffered engine failure was successfully rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard on Wednesday morning, June 24, highlighting the agency’s rapid response capability and commitment to safeguarding lives in Philippine waters.
The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), through the Coast Guard Sub-Station Jose Abad Santos (CGSS JAS), launched a swift search and rescue operation that led to the safe recovery of fisherman Melchor Madrid, whose fishing boat became disabled while he was conducting a fishing venture off the waters of Barangay Carahayan in Jose Abad Santos.
According to the Coast Guard, the incident came to their attention at approximately 6:13 a.m. when Sheril Madrid personally sought assistance from CGSS JAS after learning that her husband had become stranded at sea due to mechanical problems with his fishing boat.
Acting immediately on the distress report, Coast Guard personnel aboard RHIB-01 deployed for a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission just two minutes later, at around 6:15 a.m.
After more than an hour of searching, rescuers successfully located Madrid and his stranded fishing boat at approximately 7:35 a.m., about 15 nautical miles southwest of Barangay Carahayan. The rescue team then safely towed the disabled vessel back to shore.
Madrid later told authorities that he had departed from shore at around 3:00 a.m. to conduct a fishing venture. However, at approximately 5:00 a.m., his boat’s engine suddenly malfunctioned, leaving him stranded in open waters with no means of returning to land.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Madrid immediately contacted his wife, who wasted no time in reporting the maritime emergency to the Coast Guard.
Upon reaching shore, Coast Guard personnel conducted an assessment and confirmed that Madrid was in good physical condition and had not sustained any injuries during the ordeal. Following the successful operation, he and his wife safely returned home.
The incident underscores the critical role played by the Philippine Coast Guard in ensuring the safety of fisherfolk, many of whom venture into open waters daily despite the risks posed by mechanical failures, unpredictable weather, and other maritime hazards.
CGDSEM said the successful rescue reflects its commitment to its iCARE principles, emphasizing integrity, compassion, accountability, responsiveness, and excellence in public service.
“The operation demonstrates our unwavering dedication to protecting lives at sea and providing immediate assistance to mariners and fisherfolk in distress,” the Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard also reiterated its readiness to respond to maritime emergencies across Southeastern Mindanao, assuring coastal communities that rescue units remain on standby around the clock.
As fishing remains a primary source of livelihood for many families in Davao Occidental and neighboring coastal provinces, authorities continue to encourage fishermen to ensure their vessels are seaworthy and equipped with reliable communication devices before heading out to sea.
The successful rescue of Melchor Madrid serves as another testament to the importance of timely reporting, community cooperation, and the Coast Guard’s vigilance in protecting lives in the country’s vast maritime domain.