MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL — A fishing vessel crew member died while on a fishing trip in the waters off Davao Oriental after reportedly suffering severe stomach pain, prompting his fellow fishermen to seek assistance and eventually bring his body back to shore.
The incident occurred while the FBCA Black Nazarene-01 was operating in the Mati Fishing Ground, approximately 120 nautical miles from the Mati City Fishport, based on initial information reported to authorities.
According to the initial account, the crew member developed severe abdominal pain while aboard the fishing vessel. His condition reportedly worsened until he could no longer move, prompting his fellow crew members to attend to him and coordinate the vessel’s return to port.
The fishing vessel later arrived at the Mati City Fishport, where personnel of the Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental (CGS DavOr) provided assistance in handling and transferring the remains.
Coast Guard personnel helped properly transfer the body from the fishing vessel to a funeral service vehicle. They also coordinated with the victim’s family, the boat owner and the vessel’s captain to facilitate the necessary documentation and arrangements for the transport of the remains to Malapatan, Sarangani.
The circumstances surrounding the crew member’s death remain based on initial information, and no specific medical diagnosis was provided in the report. The severe stomach pain reported before his death was the immediate medical concern described by his companions.
The incident also highlighted the health risks faced by fishermen who spend extended periods at sea, often far from medical facilities and emergency response services.
The Coast Guard reminded fishermen and fishing vessel operators to closely monitor the health condition of crew members during every fishing trip and to immediately report any medical emergency. Early reporting and coordination can help authorities determine the appropriate response and potentially shorten the time needed to provide medical assistance to crew members in distress.
The remains were subsequently prepared for transport back to the victim’s hometown in Malapatan, Sarangani, with coordination among the family, vessel owner, boat captain and Coast Guard personnel.