Coast Guard Executes Maritime Rescue of Two Fishermen in Basilan Waters
In a swift response to a maritime emergency, personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard's Sub-Station Malamawi successfully rescued two fishermen on Wednesday evening, February 4, 2026. The incident occurred in the vicinity waters of Barangay Baluno, located in Isabela City, Basilan province.
Details of the Distress Incident
According to an official statement released by CGSS-Malamawi on Thursday, February 5, the motorboat carrying the two fishermen began taking in water after encountering rough sea conditions. The fishermen were sailing from Zamboanga City to Isabela City at the time of the incident, transporting ice chests filled with assorted fish.
As a critical safety measure to prevent further danger, the two fishermen made the difficult decision to discard fourteen ice chests of fish into the sea. This action was taken to lighten the vessel's load and reduce the risk of capsizing in the challenging maritime environment.
Rescue Operation and Medical Response
The Philippine Coast Guard personnel reported that both fishermen were found to be in good physical condition following their rescue. However, as a precautionary measure, they were provided with first aid treatment for injuries sustained during the ordeal.
After initial assessment, the two fishermen were transported to Basilan Medical Center for further medical evaluation and monitoring. The Coast Guard team also successfully towed the distressed motorboat to CGSS-Malamawi in Isabela City for inspection and potential repairs.
Safety Advisory from Maritime Authorities
In light of this incident, the Philippine Coast Guard has issued a strong advisory to the public, particularly to fishermen and maritime travelers. Authorities emphasize the importance of monitoring weather conditions thoroughly before embarking on any sailing or fishing expeditions.
The successful rescue operation highlights the ongoing commitment of the Philippine Coast Guard to maritime safety and emergency response capabilities in the region's waters.
