Fisherman stranded at sea for 2 days rescued in Tawi-Tawi

A fisherman was rescued in the waters near Andulingan Island in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi on Wednesday after being stranded at sea for two days, the Philippine Navy said on Friday.

In a statement, the Philippine Navy identified the fisherman as 40-year-old Roco Sambas from Barangay Tandu Banak in Sibutu town.

Sambas’ fishing boat capsized while he was fishing near Sibutu Island on Monday.

The crew of Philippine Navy ship BRP Jose Loor Sr. on Wednesday spotted Sambas clinging to a piece of polystyrene foam around 6.4 nautical miles north of Andulingan Island.

“By 6:25 AM, the ship's crew executed a rescue maneuver, throwing a life ring to the fisherman and safely bringing him aboard,” the Philippine Navy said.

“The Navy crew provided him with dry clothes, hot food, coffee, and first aid for minor injuries,” it added.

According to the Philippine Navy, Sambas is now in stable condition.

“This rescue underscores the Philippine Navy's commitment to saving lives and responding to emergencies, showcasing their readiness to support disaster response and ensure public safety in the region,” the Philippine Navy said.

--VAL, GMA Integrated News