For 11 fishermen, Christmas truly is a time for miracles.
On December 3, 2017, sixteen fishermen set out to catch fish. However, what was supposedly a routine job turned into a disaster, as Tropical Storm Urduja capsized their fishing vessel, 30 nautical miles away from Guiuan, Eastern Samar, on December 13.
Having no lifeboats, the fishermen used containers, normally used to hold their catch, as floating devices. They floated in the open sea for days, without food, not knowing whether they would be able to see their families again. In order to survive, they drank rainwater.
On Christmas day, Ricky Busa, a Kagawad from Barangay Japitan, Dolores, Eastern Samar decided to go fishing. As he was watching the seas, he spotted something unusual. He saw the fishermen, clinging to life, after almost two weeks at sea. Calling several fishermen together, he formed a rescue party.
Unfortunately, five out of the sixteen fishermen died due to starvation and/or dehydration. Luckily, the remaining eleven survivors received a precious Christmas gift – the gift of life.
The eleven survivors were rushed to the Domingo Casano Hospital in Dolores, Eastern Samar for immediate medical attention.
DSWD stepped in to assist the fishermen. The survivors were given P5,000 each as medical assistance, and P4,000 each for food.
In addition, DSWD is now making arrangements for the embalming and the transport of the bodies of the deceased fishermen. On the other hand, the local government unit took charge of their transportation back to Tacloban.
“Duro it ak kalipay han nakit-an ko hira. (I am grateful that I found them.)” says Michael Nadonnga, whose two brothers were part of the crew.
However, only one of his brothers survived; the other died at sea. “Pasalamat ako nga nakit-an an iya patay nga lawas. Namumulat an iya pamilya. (I am thankful that they found the body. His family is waiting.)
“Damo nga salamat ha DSWD han dako nga bulig ha nagpakasurvive. An local government gihap ngadi nga nagburublig. (I am very thankful for DSWD, which was a big help for the survivors. I’m also grateful to the local government.)#