BOLINAO–One piece of raw sayote kept them alive through 3 days and seven hours out in open sea.

This was what eight fishermen who have recently returned here after being rescued by a Japanese ship, recounted to Fred Castelo, municipal administrator here and municipal disaster coordinator.

The fishermen were identified as Carmelito Lopez, 29; Angelito Najaro, 49; Glenn Silva, 25; Jayson Consejero; Danilo Labesores; Manuel Sungcad; 20; Elmer Perces, 28; and Renato Peranda, all from Bohol province and temporarily residing here.

Their boat capsized November 10 as they were returning to shore to escape the wrath of Typhoon Quinta. They left to fish on November 9 and decided to return on seeing the typhoon headed in their direction.

As they floated in open sea amidst 15-meter waves, they shared a bite each of the uncooked sayote and drank rainwater.

The Japanese ship, manned by a Swiss captain and several Filipino seamen bound for Japan rescued them on November 13.

The fishermen had the kindest words for the ship’s Swiss captain who provided them with food and clothing. Several of the crew members were also from the Visayas, the fishermen told Castelo.

The fishermen also thanked Bryan Dexter Lao from the Philippine Embassy in Japan for taking care of their repatriation.

The fishermen arrived in Manila on board Japan Airlines flight 745 on November 22 and visited the miraculous shrine of the Our Lady of Manaoag to say their thanksgiving prayer upon their return to the province.#