PCG rescues 6 passengers of half-submerged motorbanca in Leyte

MANILA, Philippines — Six passengers of a half-submerged private motorbanca in Bato town in Leyte were rescued, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Tuesday.

PCG said the motorbanca was on its way to a floating cottage when it encountered a big wave, causing it to be half-submerged underwater last May 5.

The Coast Guard Sub-Station Bato Quick Response Team (QRT) was immediately deployed to the area after receiving a report of the incident from an official in Barangay Kalanggaman.

The six rescued passengers of the motorbanca were identified as 52-year-old Fe Merlyn Mercader; 32-year-old Godofredo Quirong J and Amauel Mercader; 31-year-old Adelle Quirong; 11-year-old Alrich Sebastian Mercader; and seven-year-old Alyanan Samantha Mercader.

All passengers are residents of Barangay Kalanggaman, the PCG said.

The passengers were brought to Port of Bato and were in good condition.

“PCG is reminding the public not to venture during inclement weather and [to] utilize only authorized motorbanca as prescribed by [the] Marina,” PCG said in a statement. /ee