In the central Pacific sector, the three fishermen who had been missing since 27 December 2021 were rescued alive as a result of intense search operations, extensive inter-agency efforts and determined community action in support of the Colombian Navy.
The rescue was reported when the pilot of a passenger transport boat that was sailing through the area, saw the boat named Luz de Esperanza, with the three men on board. In a timely manner, he gave them support by moving one of the fishermen to Buenaventura, where he notified the Coast Guard Units about the finding of the other two people.
Immediately, a ship of the Pacific Naval Force Surface Flotilla and a Coast Guard rapid reaction unit traveled to the sector in the area of the mouth of the Naya River, in Valle del Cauca, where they find the ship with the two men, who were rescued and put to safety in the Colombian Navy Units.
Jaime Perea, 63 years; Silvio Bonilla, 33; and Diego Angulo 30 years; received first aid on the part of the medical staff of Military Health care, who verified their state of health, taking into account that they were eight days in the sea, finding them in good condition; in the same way, it provided them with food, water and humanitarian assistance required.
Simultaneously, in Tumaco, at the facilities of Task Force Against Drug Trafficking No. 72 Poseidon, the families of the fishermen were summoned to inform them of the rescue, news that was received amid applause, joy and thanks.
“Thanks to God and thanks to the Navy, the three of us were well together. We are now out of danger, thank you for everything you have done for us,” said Mr. Silvio Bonilla, during the first communication he had with families.
On board a Coast Guard Unit, Silvio Bonilla and Diego Angulo were taken to the district of Tumaco, Nariño, where in the early hours, in an emotional moment, they were reunited with their family and partners, who waited for them with hugs.
An aircraft of the Naval Aviation of the Colombian Navy will transfer Mr. Jaime Perea from Buenaventura to Tumaco, so that he can in the same way meet his family as soon as possible.
According to what was stated by the rescued, in front of the alleged theft of the engines of the boat in which the fishermen were traveling, the authorities are carrying out the investigations that allow to clarify the facts and find those responsible. At the same time, the Pacific Naval Force continues to increase security and control operations in the sea and rivers of the Pacific Coast, highlighting Surface Units, Coast Guard and Navy Infantry, which led to counteract crime and provide tranquility to the community.
Source: press-Colombian Navy
