Fisherman dies at sea; PCG vessel patrolling West PH Sea responds

(Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA, Philippines — The body of a fisherman recovered by a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel patrolling off Zambales is being transported from the waters near Silanguin Island to Subic Bay.

Earlier, the PCG reported that BRP Cabra, which was monitoring an illegally operating Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel near Zambales, responded to a distress call from a Filipino fishing boat approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Silanguin Island.

“The deceased fisherman, identified as 58-year-old Elpidio Lamban, a resident of Barangay Calapacuan, Subic, Zambales, experienced difficulty breathing and blood vomiting amid their fishing operation,” the agency said, citing the Filipino vessel’s skipper, Michael Vasquez.

READ: China vessel hinders PCG response to distress call of Filipino fishers

In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, the agency also said that BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) is expected to arrive at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) within the day.

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Following Lamban’s death, the PCG said that the Coast Guard Station Zambales has already coordinated with the fisherman’s family for proper disposition, including reception, ambulance transport, and funeral services.

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On Monday night, the PCG noted that during its operation, CCG vessel 3304 “shadowed” BRP Cabra, despite being aware of the distress call from the Filipino fishing boat. The PCG claimed the CCG’s actions “hindered” their efforts to recover the body.

READ: West PH Sea: PCG thwarts Chinese ship’s approach in Zambales

While BRP Cabra transported Lamban’s body, BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) assumed patrol duties along the Zambales coast.