The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Thursday, May 21, 2026, that a young fishing boat crew member was safely rescued by the crew of a Zamboanga City-based fishing firm off the coast of Basilan province.
Rescue Details
According to the Coast Guard Station (CGS)-Zamboanga, the rescued individual was identified as France Gemina, 17, a resident of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. He was a crew member of the fishing boat MBCA Love Heart.
The CGS-Zamboanga stated that Gemina was rescued by the crew of F/V Lady Bianca at 4:54 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, near Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.
Transfer and Assistance
Gemina was later transferred to F/V Paglaum-2, a sister ship of F/V Lady Bianca, around 7:30 a.m. on the same day. He was then transported to AMR wharf in Cawit village, Zamboanga City, for further assistance.
Incident Background
Investigation revealed that Gemina had departed Pagadian City on Monday, May 18, aboard MBCA Love Heart along with the skipper and 13 fishermen, bound for Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Gemina accidentally fell overboard while asleep in a hammock around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.
The two fishing boats of AMR Fishing Corporation were on a fishing expedition when their crew sighted and rescued Gemina drifting at sea.
Safe Return
The CGS-Zamboanga confirmed that Gemina safely arrived home at 3:47 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, in Pagadian City, thanks to the joint efforts of the PCG and locally-based AMR Fishing Corporation.
The CGS-Zamboanga extended its sincere appreciation to the master and crew of F/V Lady Bianca and F/V Paglaum-2, owned and operated by AMR Fishing Corporation, for their swift response that led to the successful rescue of Gemina.
