BORACAY – A resident here was rescued after spending three days adrift in the Sulu Sea
Rolito Casidsid was seen drifting alone aboard his boat “Honey” in the waters off Cocoro Island of Magsaysay town in Palawan on Dec. 7.
A tragedy at sea claimed the lives of his three companions – Juden Matore, Luis Guyo and Mary Jane Matore Cezar.
They had set out to sea from Boracay Island on Dec. 4 for Looc, Romblon. But their families alerted the Philippine Coast Guard to mount a search and rescue operation after they did not reach their destination.
“Magbabakasyon sana kami sa Looc. Umalis kami sa Boracay mga alas siyete ng umaga doon sa may parte ng Barangay Yapak,” Casidsid said.
But huge waves swamped their small boat off Hambil Island and Yapak, just 50 meters from the shore.
“Kakaalis lang namin, mga 50 metro ang layo sa Yapak. May tatlong malalaking alon ang tumama sa bangka, dahil dito napuno ng tubig ang bangka.”
Casidsid said they drifted towards Semirara Island (Caluya, Antique) on Sunday morning, Dec. 5, with the help of the northeast monsoon (amihan).
However, he said, “Umiba ang bugso ng hangin at muli kaming napadpad sa gitna ng dagat palayo sa Semirara.”
All his companions died battling thirst, despair and hunger at sea for nearly three days, said Casidsid.
Their bodies were still missing as this was being written.
Casidsid was dehydrated and starving when he was spotted by a fisherman at around 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 7. Too weak, he had to be carried to the shore.
He thanked the fishermen of Cocoro Island for rescuing him.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating Panginoon dahil iniligtas niya ako, at doon din sa mga residente ng Barangay Cocoro sa pagsagip sa akin,” Casidsid said./PN
