Fisherman rescued off Romblon after unexpected encounter with 'marine animal'

CAJIDIOCAN, Romblon — A routine fishing trip turned into an emergency at sea after a fisherman was rescued six nautical miles off the coast of Barangay Cambijang on Thursday (August 13, 2026) following acollision by an unidentified marine animal that left his boat submerged.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), through Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Cajidiocan, launched a search and rescue operation alongside the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) after a local resident alerted authorities.

According to an incident report of the Coast Guard, the victim—a resident of Sitio Ilawod, Brgy. Cambijang—was returning to shore and hauling his fishing nets when a marine animal reportedly struck the side of his blue-and-white motorbanca. The impact damaged the vessel’s hull, causing seawater to rush in rapidly.

Realizing his boat was sinking, the quick-thinking fisherman managed to contact his family to share his exact situation and location. His family immediately reached out to local emergency services for help.

Upon arriving at the scene, the joint SAR team located the partially submerged motorbanca, safely pulled the fisherman from the water, and rendered immediate care.

"The rescued fisherman was provided with basic necessities and assessed to be in stable condition with no reported injuries," the PCG stated in an official report.

Rescuers secured the damaged vessel and towed it back to the Port of Cajidiocan.

Following the incident, the PCG reminded the public, especially small-scale fishermen, to strictly observe maritime safety. Officials urged boat owners to ensure vessel seaworthiness and to always carry reliable communication devices and safety gear before venturing out to sea.

-Paraluman News