2 fishermen rescued after boat catches fire in Davao Occidental

Two fishermen were rescued after their motorized banca caught fire off Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

Authorities said the fishing boat encountered engine failure until it caught fire while navigating the sea.

“While pumapalaot ‘yung bangka ay naka-encounter sila ng engine failure, engine trouble at nagresulta sa lumabas na ang puting usok hanggang sa nagkaapoy,” Coast Guard Sub-Station Jose Abad Santos Commander, Ensign Glen Ytang, said.

(While at sea the banca encountered engine failure, engine trouble that resulted in white smoke and later a fire.)

The fishermen came from Balut Island and were supposed to go home to Barangay Balangunan when the incident happened.

“Advice ko lang po sa mga mangingisda, kung diyan sa part ng Balut (Island) to (Brgy.) Balangunan, agahan nila ang pag-alis galing sa Balut (Island) para hindi sila maka-encounter ng mga malalakas na mga alon,” Ytang added.

(My advice to our fishermen, if they are headed to Balut Island in Balangunan, they should leave early from Balut to avoid encountering large waves.)—GMA Regional TV