PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) personnel rescued 14 persons on board a motor banca that was half-submerged after it was battered by big waves off Bohol last Wednesday afternoon.
The PCG said the ill-fated MBCA Ayoshi Kim Rin 8 was en route to Panglao town when it figured in the mishap between Balicasag Island and Panglao.
Personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station Balicasag proceeded to the site and rescued 12 passengers, a boat captain, and a crew member.
The 14 were later transferred to motor bancas MBCA Nika and MBCA Niah Naj.
“Afterwards, they (PCG personnel) towed the half-submerged motor banca to the coastline of Panglao,” the PCG said.
Citing results of the initial investigation, the PCG said the motor banca “malfunctioned and stopped while underway to Panglao, causing a loss of control.”
“They also encountered big waves and strong currents which caused damage to the boat,” the PCG said, referring to those on board the motor banca.
The PCG said the individuals were in “good physical condition” when they were rescued.
They are currently billeted with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices Panglao “for further assistance,” the PCG said.
