PHILIPPINE Coast Guard personnel yesterday rescued 288 passengers and crew of a passenger vessel that ran aground off Plaridel town in Misamis Occidental yesterday.
Coast Guard spokesman Capt. Armand Balilo said 271 passengers and 17 crew members of the passenger vessel Ocean Jet 7 were in good condition. They were rescued by the PCG Station Plaridel.
Balilo said the vessel left the port of Plaridel yesterday morning for Tagbilaran City in Bohol.
“At about 1.5 kilometers from Plaridel Port, Ocean Jet 7 encountered strong winds and big waves that led to the crashing of its starboard side,” Balilo said.
Balilo said the PCG promptly deployed assets for search and rescue operation in coordination with the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office and the local government of Plaridel.
“The 288 rescued individuals were all in good condition when they were brought at Plaridel Port,” said Balilo.
Balilo said the PCG Station in Plaridel has coordinated with the PCG Station in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental “for the provision of a tug boat that will tow the distressed passenger vessel.”
