LINGAYEN, Pangasinan - The provincial governor of Pangasinan has assured help to the victims of sea tragedy in western Pangasinan last December 16, 55 persons of whom are still missing.

Gov. Victor E. Agbayani said on Wednesday that the Provincal Social Welfare and Development Office is now coordinating with the municipal social welfare offices of the affected coastal towns to complete the socio/economic documentation of the famlies of survivors, casualties and the missing.

Task Force Infanta headed by Lt. Colonel Gregory Cayetano of the Philippine Army, which spearheaded the relief and rescue operations for the affected fishermen, has already terminated its work last December 27, after the safe return and recovery of 202 persons.

Agbayani said that during the rescue operations, the provincial government immediately responded by providing the logistical requirements of Task Force Infanta.

The missing fishermen and those rescued came from the coastal towns of Inganta, Dasol, Bolinao and Agno.

All these were fishing within a rich fishing ground near Scarborough shoal last December 16 when strong waves brought in by the sudden gush of the north wind as a result of the cold front capsized and sank their motorized fishing boats.

Some of the fishermen were picked up by foreign vessels that passed by while the others managed to land at Scarborough shoal.

Agbayani said proper documentation is needed to enable the provincial government to determine the appropriate emergency relief and livelihood assistance to be extended to the victims.

The governor pointed out that many of the fishermen were employees of large fishing vessels who may also be compensated and assisted by their employees.

It was gathered that less than half of the victims were marginal fishermen.

Agbayani lauded the concerted rescue and recovery efforts of the navy, air force, coast guard, police for the missing fishermen. (PNA)