By CARAH DULATRE

"Lord, thank you for saving us."

This were the words uttered by Carlos Soriano, one of the eleven survivors found in Sta. Cruz town in Ilocos Sur province Tuesday as he recounted their struggle for three days in the open sea during the onslaught of typhoon Frank.

One boat served as their life saver while fish that they caught served as their food and the rainwater quenched their thirst.

He added, when they saw the shoreline of Ilocos Sur, they swam with all their might.

The other fishermen who survived were the sea ordeal were Jolito Sarmiento, Benito Sarmiento, Macmac Celeste, Carlos Ofiana, Carlos Soriano, Rodel Bacalon, Noel Rolloda, Edwardo Azuelo, Roland Codiva and Vicente Fiana.

From a hospital in Sta. Lucia town, they were airlifted to La Union Medical Center with the help of the La Union police and local officials for further treatment. Most of them experienced dehydration and kidney trouble.

Meanwhile, the Northern Luzon Naval Force, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard with the help of La Union police formed Task Force Sagip to conduct search and rescue operations for twelve more missing fishermen.