PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) personnel rescued four Norwegians whose yacht was found drifting off Virac town in Catanduanes last Saturday, it was reported on Sunday.
The PCG said in a statement that it launched the search and rescue operation after receiving a distress signal from the SY Nora Simrad drifting in the vicinity of Cabugao Bay.
It said Coast Guard Station Catanduanes tried to establish radio communication to ascertain the exact location of the yacht. However, no response was received, the PCG said.
This prompted the PCG to coordinate with the Tactical Operations Group 5 (TOG-5) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) “due to the vessel’s intermittent communication and limited visibility in the area.”
An aircraft from the 220th Airlift Wing was launched, TOG-5 said in a statement.
“Through precise aerial surveillance, the aircraft successfully identified the vessel’s exact coordinates and relayed the information to the nearest Coast Guard station for immediate rescue operations,” TOG-5 said.
“After confirming the sailboat’s position through direct communication with the vessel’s contact and aerial surveillance findings, a towing operation was launched,” the PCG said.
The PCG deployed tugboat M/T Iriga from the Legazpi City Port to provide assistance to the Norwegians and tow the vessel to Catanduanes.
“All four crew members received medical evaluation from CG (Coast Guard) Medical Station Bicol upon arrival and were reported in good health,” the PCG said.
The PCG said the timely and coordinated efforts highlight its “unwavering commitment to maritime safety and its capability to respond swiftly to emergencies involving both local and foreign vessels within the country’s maritime domain.”
TOG-5 said the operation underscored the PAF’s “operational readiness and professionalism” in times of crisis.
