10 Chinese nationals rescued off Balicasag Island in Bohol

CEBU CITY — Ten Chinese nationals were rescued from a boat that had an engine trouble off the coast of Balicasag Island in Bohol province on Thursday evening.

The motorbanca “Go Deep Diving and Tours” came from Sumilon Island in Cebu and was on its way back to Panglao Island.

Lt. JG Michael John Encina, Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas spokesperson, said they immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation after receiving a distress call around 7:15 p.m.

Both Panglao and Balicasag rescue teams headed out to sea for the search-and-rescue operations.

Initial information said the motorbanca’s engine conked out while its skipper could no longer determine their exact location.

At 7:40 p.m., the Coast Guard Quick Response Team from Balicasag located the “Go Deep Diving and Tours” at 7 nautical miles away from Balicasag Island.

The 10 Chinese nationals were transferred to another boat contracted by the PCG rescue team.

The rescued tourists were brought to Daorong, Panglao Island./lzb