SEVEN individuals have been confirmed dead after their fishing vessel capsized in Santa Ana, Cagayan, amidst the severe weather conditions brought about by Super Typhoon Nando.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) initially launched search and rescue operations on Tuesday, successfully locating four crew members. However, the operations were suspended at 8 p.m. due to the worsening weather.
The search resumed at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, leading to the recovery of three additional bodies. Most of the deceased were found in mangroves, while others were discovered floating at sea.
The PCG reported that they had to utilize a chainsaw to breach the capsized vessel and retrieve trapped bodies. Preparations are underway to return the victims’ remains to their home provinces.
The PCG revealed that the crew members had remained inside the vessel during the super typhoon in an attempt to safeguard it.
In response to this tragedy, the PCG, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), and the local government are considering implementing a mandate prohibiting individuals from remaining on vessels during severe weather conditions.
