A transiting cargo vessel rescued nine crew members of a half-submerged motorboat off Zamboanga del Norte on Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard reported yesterday.
Rescued were Henry Burong, 35; Deigo 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 of Zamboanga City.
PCG communications officer Joy Gumatay said the motorboat was en route to Dipolog City in Zamboanga de Norte, from Jolo, Sulu, when they encountered rough sea condition.
“They accidentally hit a hard object that damaged the wooden hull, causing the seawater to enter the motor banca. Eventually, the half-submerged motor banca drifted towards the vicinity waters off Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte,” said Gumatay.
Gumatay said the PCG was able to communicate with the crew of the distressed vessel, who provided their general location.
She said the PCG coordinated with the transiting cargo vessel, MV Empress Amy, at around 3:40 a.m. to conduct search and rescue operation.
Gumatay said MV Empress Amy sighted the motorboat at at around 11:40 a.m. and rescued the crew members, who were later brought to the nearest shoreline.
She said the crew members were examined and found to be “in good physical condition.”
They were allowed to go back to their homes on Saturday afternoon, said Gumatay.
