3 European tourists, 4 Pinoys rescued in waters off Danao, Cebu

Photo courtesy of PCG-7

CEBU CITY –– Seven people, including three European tourists, were rescued in the waters off Danao City in northern Cebu on Monday night after their motor banca conked out while heading to mainland Cebu from Camotes Group of Islands.

Rescued weremotor banca operator Petronilo Cularte, 57; Candyce Macatangay, 30; Lily Rose Musil, 37; Celedinio Jevelanios Jr., 47; and three foreigners – Swedish Pawel Patterson, 39; and Lassi Tolonen, 67; and Johanna Todeer, 68, both from Finland.

The motor banca left Consuelo port in Camotes past 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 23 but developed engine trouble just a few kilometers from the coast of Barangay Taytay, Danao, said Lt. Junior Grade Michael John Encina, Coast Guard Central Visayas spokesperson.

The Danao Coast Guard station received a distress call at 6:27 p.m. and immediately dispatched search-and-rescue teams.

The motor banca was spotted a few kilometers from the coast of Taytay and was later towed to Danao port.

The seven passengers, including the operator, disembarked past 7 p.m.

Encina said all passengers were unhurt and didn’t require any medical attention.

Edited by LZB