After 4-day ordeal at sea, 5 Pinoy fishermen returning from Japan
After a four-day ordeal at sea, five Filipino fishermen
are finally on their way home from Japan, the Philippine embassy in Tokyo said.
In a March 31 statement, the embassy said the five were from Itbayat in Batanes, and were rescued by a US ship and brought to Japan last March 25.
It identified the five as Glenford Gutierrez Villa, Jonas Salamagos Manzo, Joseph Castillejos, James Cano Bata, and Froilan Ibanes Libaton.
According to the fishermen, the motor of their boat "Oxangu Hulk" broke down while they were returning to Itbayat.
Before their rescue, they floated at sea for four days and three nights, the embassy said.
"They drifted with the current, pounded by gigantic waves and a strong wind until their rescue," the embassy said.
It said the USS Blue Ridge was on patrol in the Philippine Sea when it spotted a small boat with an orange flag. USS Blue Ridge is a US 7th Fleet flagship vessel.
Crew of the US ship saw the stranded fishermen waving a white T-shirt and a flashlight.
"The fishermen were found without food and malnourished, suffering from hypothermia and dehydration. Onboard the USS Blue Ridge, the five Filipinos were provided first aid, showers and a change of clothes," the embassy said.
They arrived in Yokohama on March 30, and were turned over to the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.
On Tuesday, the five met with Philippine Ambassador Manuel Lopez following their rescue March 25.
"Their rescue, stay in Japan and return to the Philippines is the result of an active cooperation between the US Navy and the US Embassy in Tokyo, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo," the embassy said.
Yokohama
Upon docking in Yokohama, the Filipino fishermen were transferred to the care of embassy officials, the Philippine Embassy said.
They then cleared Japanese immigration, and finally had their first meal and their first night on land after their rescue.
However, they underwent further medical tests to ensure they remained in good health. They were provided additional clothing as protection from the cold spring weather.
While in Tokyo, they also experienced Hanami (cherry blossom season) and visit the Franciscan Chapel, a Catholic church in Roppongi, for thanksgiving.
They departed for Manila Tuesday, after being issued travel documents. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News
In a March 31 statement, the embassy said the five were from Itbayat in Batanes, and were rescued by a US ship and brought to Japan last March 25.
It identified the five as Glenford Gutierrez Villa, Jonas Salamagos Manzo, Joseph Castillejos, James Cano Bata, and Froilan Ibanes Libaton.
According to the fishermen, the motor of their boat "Oxangu Hulk" broke down while they were returning to Itbayat.
Before their rescue, they floated at sea for four days and three nights, the embassy said.
"They drifted with the current, pounded by gigantic waves and a strong wind until their rescue," the embassy said.
It said the USS Blue Ridge was on patrol in the Philippine Sea when it spotted a small boat with an orange flag. USS Blue Ridge is a US 7th Fleet flagship vessel.
Crew of the US ship saw the stranded fishermen waving a white T-shirt and a flashlight.
"The fishermen were found without food and malnourished, suffering from hypothermia and dehydration. Onboard the USS Blue Ridge, the five Filipinos were provided first aid, showers and a change of clothes," the embassy said.
They arrived in Yokohama on March 30, and were turned over to the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.
On Tuesday, the five met with Philippine Ambassador Manuel Lopez following their rescue March 25.
"Their rescue, stay in Japan and return to the Philippines is the result of an active cooperation between the US Navy and the US Embassy in Tokyo, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo," the embassy said.
Yokohama
Upon docking in Yokohama, the Filipino fishermen were transferred to the care of embassy officials, the Philippine Embassy said.
They then cleared Japanese immigration, and finally had their first meal and their first night on land after their rescue.
However, they underwent further medical tests to ensure they remained in good health. They were provided additional clothing as protection from the cold spring weather.
While in Tokyo, they also experienced Hanami (cherry blossom season) and visit the Franciscan Chapel, a Catholic church in Roppongi, for thanksgiving.
They departed for Manila Tuesday, after being issued travel documents. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News
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