The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued 41 passengers and five crew members of a motorbanca that nearly sunk in the vicinity waters of Caboang Bay in Balabac, Palawan on Sunday, Jan. 29.
A report from the PCG said motorbanca Jatropha was transiting the vicinity waters of Barangay Salang enroute to Buliluyan, Palawan when its starboard hull was damaged after being hit by strong waves.
Seawater started to seep in which caused the boat to be half-submerged.
Personnel from the Coast Guard Station South Western Palawan conducted search and rescue operation along with other civilian rescuers when the incident was reported to them.
The distressed boat was spotted approximately 0.5 nautical mile from the shoreline of Sitio Tutungan in Barangay Salang.
“All passengers and crew were safely brought to Balabac proper and all in good physical condition. Liekwise, said motorbanca was temporarily secured at Barangay Salang,” the PCG said.