By CESAR JOLITO III

A 52-year-old fisherman remains missing after reportedly falling overboard while onboard a pump boat off the waters of Barangay Daug in Negros Occidental’s Hinoba-an town on Sunday night, October 12.

The victim was identified as Elino Anunsawon Sr., a resident of Purok 3 in the town’s Barangay Culipapa.

According to the police report, Anunsawon and a pump boat operator went to Bolila Island in Barangay Asia to repair their boat’s outrigger earlier that day.

After completing the repair, the two reportedly had a drinking session before heading back home at around 7:00 p.m.

While traversing the seawaters, the victim — who was allegedly intoxicated — was lying at the front portion of the boat when he accidentally turned to his left and fell into the sea.

The pump boat operator immediately maneuvered the vessel to rescue him but was unable to find Anunsawon.

The Coast Guard immediately launched a search and retrieval operation, but as of Thursday, October 16, Anunsawon has not yet been found.

Authorities are urging fishermen and nearby residents to report any sighting that could aid in locating the missing fisherman./CJ, WDJ