PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) personnel rescued 11 passengers of a boat that ran aground and later sank off Surigao City on Saturday, the agency reported yesterday.
The PCG said the boat, MBCA Justin, left a “floating resort” in Barangay Day-asan in Surigao City. It later ran aground in the shallow waters of Buntog Bato in Barangay Day-asan.
“This incident caused the engine to malfunction which resulted in shafting and dismantling of the propeller. Eventually, the motor banca submerged,” the PCG said.
At around 5 p.m. also on Saturday, the Coast Guard District Northeastern Mindanao received a distress call about the submerged vessel.
A PCG search and rescue team was dispatched, leading to the rescue of the passengers who were later brought to a Coast Guard Special Unit Boathouse “for further assistance,” the PCG said.
“PCG personnel ensured that the rescued individuals were in good physical condition before allowing them to return home,” the PCG also said. — Victor Reyes
