Two Filipino fishermen were injured after the engine of their fishing boat exploded near Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal on Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Sunday.
Based on the photos shared by PCG to members of the media, the damaged motor banca FFB Akio was being towed by a PCG patrol vessel at 3 p.m. on Saturday. PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said they conducted rescue operations and gave medical attention to the injured fishers.
Balilo said that according to the captain of BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), the rescued fishers attributed the explosion to a faulty battery starter motor.The Akio and the fishermen are expected to arrive at Subic Bay, Zambales on the morning of July 1.
In a report by Jonathan Andal for 24 Oras Weekend on Sunday, the crew of the Akio said there was an explosion in their engine at around 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Two crewmen sustained 2nd degree burns on several parts of their bodies. The injured men were treated by a PCG nurse on the BRP Sindangan. They will be taken to a hospital upon arrival.Joel Banilla, the Akio's captain said faulty wiring could have caused the mishap.
"When the engine started there was an explosion," he said.Banilla said he and the remaining crew will try to repair the boat once it reaches Subic. "There's a report that the Chinese Coast Guard actually offered help, that they will launch a rigid hull inflatable boat to rescue the fishermen. But the fishers knew we were already en route and declined the Chinese offer," Balilo said.The PCG said the incident is proof that Filipino ships are present to assist in the West Philippine Sea.
"We proved that our ships are there. If something happens to the fishermen, we can immediately respond to assist in their welfare," Balilo said.
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