A Filipino fisherman stranded in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean, more than 400 nautical miles from Philippines coast, was rescued on Saturday, 26 May 2018 thanks to the efforts of the crew of MISC's LNG vessel, Seri Begawan.
The vessel is operated by MISC's integrated marine services arm, Eaglestar.
After 20 days adrift at sea, the distressed fisherman was found stranded on a small boat by Seri Begawan during her voyage from Gladstone, Australia to Beihai, China. The lookout on duty at the navigation bridge on Seri Begawan, spotted the fisherman. The shipboard team immediately sprang into action, to rescue him from the ordeal.
The rescue mission was coordinated swiftly and upon his rescue, the crew ensured that the fisherman was provided with medical attention and food as well as monitored his medical condition closely. The rescued fisherman was later identified as Mr. Roberto De La Cruz, 39 years old, from Surigao City, Philippines. He was apparently lost at sea when his boat was separated from his mother vessel, due to bad weather and had been adrift since then.
The Master of Seri Begawan, Captain Manjit Lal, contacted the Philippines Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) to alert them of the situation and provided their full cooperation for the safe repatriation of Mr. Roberto. At the advice of the Philippines Coast Guard, Mr. Roberto was disembarked at a location close to the coast on Sunday, 27 May 2018 and Seri Begawan resumed her voyage to China.
MISC's President/Group CEO, Mr. Yee Yang Chien said "The safety of anyone at sea is the responsibility of all members of the maritime community. I am very proud of the courage and determination that has been demonstrated by the crew of Seri Begawan to rescue Mr. Roberto and with the support and cooperation of the Philippines MRCC, we are able to ensure his successful and safe return. Safety is always at the top of our priority and MISC's seafarers regularly undergo various types of trainings including on saving lives at sea to ensure that we are always ready to provide our support whenever it is needed."
Seri Begawan's effort in saving the life of Mr. Roberto was recognised by the Philippines Coast Guard who presented the crew of Seri Begawan with a Letter of Commendation for their exemplary humanitarian action.
Photo: A rescue mission by Seri Begawan crew was coordinated swiftly to rescue Mr. Roberto