DUMAGUETE: Residents and emergency responders successfully rescued four fishers in Barangay Maloh, Siaton town, Negros Oriental, after their motorboats capsized due to stormy weather conditions on Tuesday. The fishers, attempting to catch giant squid, faced perilous conditions when their boats were overwhelmed by the sea.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ronrev Kinilitan, head of the local disaster risk reduction and management office (LDRRMO) of Siaton, reported that the fishers were in pairs aboard two pump boats when they ventured out to sea on Tuesday evening. Their pursuit for ‘dalupapa’ or giant squid led them into treacherous waters where strong waves and currents carried them to Barangay Maloh. The motorboats eventually capsized and became grounded in shallow waters approximately 100 meters from the shoreline.
The incident occurred at around 7 p.m. coinciding with an unexpected power outage in the town. Coastal residents witnessed the event and immediately called for assistance. Kinilitan noted
that local residents were the first to respond, risking the darkness to enter the water while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
All four fishers escaped unscathed and have since returned to their families in Barangay Giligaon, Siaton. Kinilitan mentioned that one of the motorboats, equipped with a twin-engine, was destroyed, while the second boat, with a single engine, sustained minimal damage. The motorboats were owned by an individual identified as Achilles Merto from Giligaon.
In the wake of the incident, the LDRRMO and local police remain vigilant, monitoring heavy rains in the mountains that could potentially lead to flash floods. However, no pre-emptive evacuation measures have been deemed necessary at this time.