SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully rescued seven fishermen from two separate distressed fishing vessels in the waters off Zambales, bringing them safely back to Subic Bay on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
According to Commander Euphraim Jayson Diciano, head of PCG Zambales, the rescue involved a series of unfortunate events at sea that began with a rare animal encounter and ended with mechanical failure.
Chronology of the Incidents:
- The First Boat (FB Ezra Faith): On February 14, two fishermen aboard the FB Ezra Faith departed Barangay Calapandayan in Subic for a fishing trip. While at sea, the vessel was struck by a dolphin, which created a large hole in its starboard quarter. The impact caused the boat to submerge rapidly.
- The Initial Rescue: Fortunately, the crew of another fishing vessel, the FBCA Gift, was passing by. The five fishermen on the FBCA Gift rescued the two distressed men and brought them safely on board.
- The Second Boat (FBCA Gift): While the FBCA Gift was returning to Subic with the rescued survivors, it suffered its own emergency—engine failure and a complete loss of oil.
- PCG Intervention: The BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), which was conducting a maritime patrol near Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), spotted the drifting FBCA Gift approximately 36.57 nautical miles southwest of Silanguin Cove.
The PCG crew immediately provided assistance and towed the FBCA Gift back to Subic Bay. While the fishermen are now safe and reunited with their families, the submerged FB Ezra Faith had to be left behind due to the strong waves in the area.