ZAMBOANGA CITY – Forty-two guests, including an infant, stranded by a heavy downpour on Sta. Cruz Island here were rescued by the Zamboanga City government and Coast Guard personnel Sunday, August 7.
City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian made a distress call at the height of the heavy downpour which made it difficult for a regular tourist boat to cross the channel separating Zamboanga City and Sta. Cruz Island.
Zamboanga Station Commander Christopher Domingo responded to the call and sent a Philippine Coast Guard vessel to rescue the stranded individuals.
The visitors were transported safely here and were met by Sebastian at the boat station in Paseo del Mar.
The City Tourism Office has opened the island to local visitors and tourists in line with tourism promotion.