About 19 passengers and three crew members of a motor banca were rescued after the boat sank off Surigao City, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disclosed on Wednesday.
The PCG said a quick response team from Coast Guard Station (CGS) Surigao was dispatched on Tuesday, April 10, after the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) received information that M/BCA Aldrin, sank 200 meters away from Surigao Base Port.
M/BCA Aldrin departed Surigao City on April 10 and was bound for Barangay Talavera in Taganaan, Surigao del Norte. The motor banca was hit by a huge wave caused by a nearby ship, causing it to submerge.
“While transisting, a huge wave caused by M/V Yohan Cruiser battered the motorbanca caused her to subsequently submerge,” the PCG said in a statement.
“Immediately, Quick Response Team of CGS Surigao proceeded to the said vicinity and conducted rescue operations to the passengers and crew of the submerged motor banca,” it said.
Following the rescue operation, the PCG said all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for. They were transported by CGS Surigao to their respective residences, it added. /muf