Manila, Jan. 2 -- Three Filipino fisherfolk were safely rescued by the crew of the USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) after their vessel was found adrift in the South China Sea on Jan. 1, the United States 7th Fleet reported Thursday.

The Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship was transiting the area around 12:45 p.m. when watch standers spotted the distressed fishing boat.

The crew immediately alerted the bridge and deployed a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to retrieve the fisherfolk.

The three men, confirmed to be Filipinos, were brought aboard the USNS Cesar Chavez and assessed by medical staff, who found them in good condition.

Philippine authorities were also promptly notified.

The fisherfolk told US personnel that their vessel's engine h...