11-3-2024 (MANILA) The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Monday that a boat was overturned after colliding with a dolphin in the waters off Agno. The incident took place on March 7 and resulted in the temporary disappearance of fisherman Dexter Abalos, 32. However, after an extensive search operation, PCG personnel successfully located and rescued Abalos three days later, on March 10.
To locate Abalos, the PCG deployed its Britten-Norman Islander aircraft for air surveillance.
According to a statement from the PCG, while Abalos was returning to the shore, his boat was unexpectedly struck by a dolphin, leading to its capsizing. “Fortunately, he managed to swim towards a fish marker, locally known as ‘payao,’ and secured his boat to it. Mr. Abalos remained there for several days, patiently awaiting rescue,” the statement read.
This is not the first incident involving a dolphin colliding with a fishing boat.
Back in March 2023, a similar incident occurred near Palaui Island in Santa Ana town, Cagayan. A dolphin measuring five feet in length struck the starboard bow of a boat, causing the boat to nearly sink. Fortunately, all four occupants of the boat were eventually saved.
