The Philippine Coast Guard rescued five Indonesians and two Taiwanese Nationals from a fishing vessel in distress off Ilocos Sur, according to a Saksi report on Wednesday.

The PCG responded to a request for rescue from the Taiwanese Coast Guard and was able to locate the vessel 77 nautical miles from Candon, Ilocos Sur.

The fishing vessel was allegedly involved in a collision with a Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier. Damage sustained on the bow resulted in water entering into the boat.

BRP Malapascua responded to the scene to provide assistance. The craft which was escorted to the nearest port. The Coast Guard is now ascertaining the condition of both the vessel and its crew. —Jiselle Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News