Metro Manila, Philippines – A US Navy logistics ship rescued three Filipino fishermen adrift in the South China Sea on Jan. 1 after spotting their disabled fishing vessel during a routine transit, the US 7th Fleet said.
The crew of the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez came upon the distressed vessel at about 12:45 p.m. Watch standers alerted the bridge and the ship launched a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to recover the fishermen.
The three men, later identified as Philippine nationals, were brought aboard the Cesar Chavez and examined by the ship’s medical staff. All were found to be in good health. Philippine authorities were immediately notified, the Navy said.
The fishermen reported that their vessel’s engine flooded amid heavy seas on Dec. 28, leaving them adrift. They had departed port on Dec. 27 and survived on rationed food and water until they were located by the US ship.
US and Philippine officials coordinated efforts to ensure the fishermen’s safe return to the Philippines.
The Cesar Chavez regularly conducts logistics and resupply missions in support of the US 7th Fleet.
The incident comes as Filipino fishermen continue to encounter foreign vessels while operating in disputed parts of the South China Sea. In recent weeks, Philippine authorities have separately raised concerns over the presence of foreign warships and coast guard vessels operating within areas in the West Philippine Sea.
