An American and his fiancee have gone missing, as well as four crew members who were part of a fishing trip in and around the region of Negros Oriental.
The six-member crew departed Dumguete on February 13 at 8am. The crew was said to be heading to the southern regions of Negros Oriental (possibly Saiton).
Bradley Jay Fugate, the American onboard is a native of Minnesota – he, along with his fiance and possible family crew members were on the oversize pump boat. Desperate attempts to contact the crew via cell phones have not been successful.
The crew members include Fugate’s fiance Cristina Andig as well as Juvy Pondador, Russel Andig, Rey Benetes and Elmer Sabroso. The Philippines Coast Guard has issued an ‘Advisory’ on the whereabouts of the ship – any information on this matter can be taken to the nearest Coast Guard station in the Philippines – as well as any local police who can forward the information.
The United States Embassy, Manila has been informed and has begun a search for Fugate and his crew. Fugate was last seen at a residence in Dumaguete City – Block #1, Lot #8, Amoris Sub Division, Camanjac – Dumaguete City.