2 dead as fishing boats capsize off Tawi-Tawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two fishermen died and 71 others were rescued when their boats capsized off the waters of Mapun island in Tawi-Tawi  on Monday. 

Rear Admiral Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander, said Coast Guard personnel launched search and rescue operations after receiving reports that the fishing boats that sailed from Mangseeh island in Palawan were hit by big waves spawned by Tropical Storm Vinta.

Medina said the fishermen were found drifting off Pamilikan island at about 9 a.m.

He said responders recovered the body of one of the fishermen and rescued 72 others, but one of the fishermen died upon arrival at the pier at about 10 p.m. 

Personnel of the 48th Marine Company and Marine Battalion Landing Team 8 assisted Coast Guard personnel in bringing the survivors to the Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi Hospital for treatment.

The Integrated Provincial Hospital of Tawi-Tawi said the fishermen are natives of Palawan, Cebu, Guimaras, Leyte, Davao, Mapun, Bulacan, Navotas, Malabon and Caloocan.