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MANILA, Philippines—Four Filipino fishermen, stranded and hopeless on high seas for four days, were rescued by a Chinese cargo vessel named Heng Sheng Men, which happened to pass by the waters to the northwest of Manila at 10 a.m. on November 5, it was learned over the weekend.
According to the Chinese embassy here, the four Filipino fishermen’s boat sank on November 1 after they encountered the recent tropical storm Santi (international code name: Mirinae). They managed to survive by holding on to floating wreckage until the Chinese cargo vessel came along.
“We were on the way from India to China,” said Wang Baoquan, captain of the ship, at 119°13′E and 16°13′N when the crew suddenly sighted four men holding floating vessel wreckage and calling for help.
Heng Sheng Men immediately altered its course and began rescue efforts. Two hours later, the four survivors were taken on board safe and sound.
The four fishermen received necessary medical checkups on board and were found in relatively good condition. The Chinese crew also prepared porridge for the fishermen.
The Chinese embassy said that after it was informed of the incident at 12 p.m. on 5 November, it immediately reported the incident to the Philippine Coast Guard, which dispatched a rescue vessel to meet with Heng Sheng Men.
At 6:30 p.m., the four fishermen were turned over to the Philippine side. The fishermen and the Coast Guard thanked the Chinese captain and crew expressed for their help.
