American, Filipina wife rescued from distressed yacht in Oriental Mindoro

Oriental Mindoro. INQUIRER FILES

LUCENA CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued an elderly American and his Filipina wife after their yacht ran aground on Monday, near Sugicay Island in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.

The PCG-District Southern Tagalog said in a report Tuesday, March 5, that their station in Bulalacao received information around 12:30 p.m. on the distressed sea vessel near the shoreline of the island.

The PCG personnel rushed to the site and saved the boat passengers who were both found in safe condition.

READ: Coast guard rescues 16 fishermen in Oriental Mindoro

The PCG identified the rescued couple as Jon Sidell, 63, and his wife, Belen, 41.

The Malaysian-registered catamaran, “Off the Hook” was anchored with an estimated depth of 10-15 meters near the island for the planned kite surfing of the couple.

However, due to strong waves and howling winds, the sea vessel drifted and subsequently ran aground.

READ: PCG rescues 5 fishermen from sunken boat in Mindoro

The report said no traces of oil spills had been observed in the surrounding area.

The PCG assisted the couple in going to a beach resort in Barangay San Roque.

Authorities will check on the condition of the yacht during low tide to inspect any possible damage.