Lips parched. Bodies mangled. For what seemed like eternity, nine fishermen clung on their broken motor boat outriggers as the vicious sea, made more ferocious by “Typhoon Egay,” strew them 15 nautical miles away from the coast of Pangasinan to the waters of Ilocos Norte.
Hope lost. Almost. Amidst the eerie, vast expanse of nothingness, appeared an uncanny, beauteous silhouette of a Panamaian bulk carrier vessel. Aboard it were men, garbed in defiant orange overalls and with hands outstretched– Filipino seafarers.
QUEZON CITY—ANGKLA Party-list filed House Resolution 2271 commending the maritime professionals of M/V Crimson Polaris, under the command of Capt. Venancio de la Cruz, for putting their lives on the line in order to rescue nine fishermen found in distress in the middle of the West Philippine Sea.
Lauding the bravery of the Filipino global maritime professionals, ANGKLA Representative Jesulito Manalo said: “the collective efforts of MV Crimson Polaris’ global maritime professionals exemplified their benevolence, bravery, and exceptional seamanship, with their determined intervention enabling them to save nine lives of Filipino fishermen.”
Perilous waters
According to their accounts, the fishermen were sailing back to shore when huge waves brought about by typhoon “Egay” broke one of their boat’s outriggers. This caused their boat to capsize. To stay afloat, the fishermen grabbed onto the vessel’s broken outriggers as they were violently tossed by the rough seas.
The fishermen were identified as Federico Bacutana, 26; Ruel Guheldi, 42; Marvin Inocencio, 32; Mark Paloma, 21; Joel Ravelo; Dominador delos Santos, 40; Renato delos Santos, 60; Ariel Tobias, 26; and Meliton Tupas, 40, all left Barangay Arnedo in Bolinao on 2 July 2015 to fish 185 kilometers from shore.
Dauntless spirit
On 7 July, at around 12 noon and at the height of typhoon “Egay,” M/V Crimson Polaris was sailing through the West Philippine Sea. Some of the crew on-board spotted the nine fishermen drifting in the middle of rough seas. Ignoring the harsh conditions of the sea, the seafarers braved the elements and pulled the fishermen to safety. They rendered the essential first aid to the fishermen, of whom eight suffered minor injuries, open wounds, and lacerations, and one from dehydration.
Other needs were likewise furnished by the captain and crew of M/V Crimson Polaris until the rescued men were endorsed to the Philippine Coast Guard on July 8.
Pride of Filipinos
“The indomitable spirit and remarkable bravery of these maritime professionals should give Filipinos a sense of pride,” said Rep. Manalo.
He added: “Going beyond the call of duty is one of the reasons why Filipinos are considered the seafarers of choice in international fleets. Now, one out of four seafarers onboard international vessels is a Filipino.”
At that time, Capt. Venancio De La Cruz was at the helm of M/V Crimson Polaris. Other officers and crew of M/V Crimson Polaris, who were instrumental in the success of the rescue operations include Chief Engineer Ronnie Dilao; Chief Officer Marlon Magguling; 2nd Officer Enriqueto Ferraren; 3rd Officer Nino Salangsang; 1st Assistant Engineer Noel Lanaque; 2nd Assistant Engineer Alejandre Diocares; 3rd Assistant Engineer Dennis Sulayao; Chief Cook Zandy Tullo; Bosun Milo Melon; Oiler Archie Manzo; Oiler Desiderio Palma Jr.; Wiper Daryl Taer; Able Seaman Cris Espinosa; Able Seaman Xyrus Fabila; Able Seaman Kim Aninang; Ordinary Seaman John Villarba; Ordinary Seaman Jay Ortiz; Deck Cadet Barry Francisco; and Messboy Elison Galang.
“These remarkable global maritime professionals are the pillars of hope that the Philippines can truly be a maritime nation,” Rep. Manalo concluded.