PCG rescues 9 crew of distressed motor banca in Zamboanga del Norte

(Photo from Philippine Coast Guard Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday said it rescued nine crew members of a distressed motor banca in the waters of Zamboanga del Norte.

The rescued crew members were identified as  Henry Burong, 35; Diego Burong, 35; Surafi Anapi, 43; Benjar Luntian, 42; Isa Musa, 42; Aldamer Alih, 30; Boy Saguile, 27; Bader Barahim, 43; and Magno Dalawis, 52 — all Zamboanga City residents.

In a statement, the PGC said the motor banca was on its way to Dipolog City from Hasiman Tanjung, Jolo, Sulu, when it encountered bad weather and rough sea conditions,

The PCG said the motor banca’s hull was damaged after it hit a hard object. Seawater then entered the motor banca.

At around 03:40 A.M., the PCG was able to communicate with the crew of the motor banca who gave their location as between the waters off Liloy and Dipolog City, Zamboanga Del Norte.

Responding PCG personnel found the distressed motor banca half-submerged at around 11:40 a.m.

The PCG then rescued the crew and brought them ashore.

The distressed motor banca was also towed to Lamao Port.

At around 04:32 P.M., the rescued crew were allowed to return to their respective residences after the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office examined them and confirmed that they were all in good physical condition.

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