The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rescued six people, including policemen and two personnel of the Department of Health, when the boat they were riding in to transport coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines capsized off the waters of Real in Quezon province.
In an incident report, the PCG said the service boat was carrying two boxes of China’s Sinovac vaccines that would be used in the inoculation of those in the priority list at the Polilio Island.
Rescued were two DOH personnel, two policemen of the Municipal Police Station (MPS) Polillo, the boat captain, and the motorman.
According to the passengers, the service boat accidentally hit the concrete post along the vicinity waters off Barangay Ungos, causing it to capsize at around 7:55 a.m. on Thursday.
All individuals were rescued and the Sinovac vaccines were also retrieved, the PCG said.
“Upon settling down, the two DOH personnel made proper coordination with their respective unit to check the condition of the COVID-19 vaccines and conduct appropriate measures,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) assured that the COVID-19 vaccines from the boat are still fit for human use.
“Naimbestigahan na po natin iyan and apparently ito palang mga bakuna ay naka double na pagpa-plastic so hindi po sila nagalaw (We have already investigated this and apparently these vaccines were secured by two-layers of plastic. The vaccines are safe),” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.