The Philippine Coast Guard rescued nine motor banca crew after their brand-new boat sunk in the sea of Malabrigo Point in San Juan, Batangas on Friday, December 22.
The 35-ton passenger motor banca Hasta Lavista left Dinagat Island in Surigao del Norte on December 20 for Calatagan, Batangas.
However, on Friday night, the boat's outrigger sustained damage due to adverse sea conditions, and as a result, half-submerged in sea of Laiya in San Juan.
MV Ocean Dependable, a Danish-flagged vessel, rescued the distressed crew around 10 p.m.
The PCG responded and safely evacuated all nine crew members from the ship. They were found in good physical condition in a check-up.
Despite efforts to communicate and coordinate with the captain of Ocean Dependable, the skipper of Hasta Lavista decided to abandon the half-submerged boat due to strong waves.
PCG Station-Lobo coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in Lobo to ensure necessary assistance and support for the survivors.
The Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog has issued a notice to mariners regarding Hasta Lavista.
PCG Station-Lobo will conduct a surface search to retrieve the boat due to navigation hazards and asked transiting motor bancas in the area to inform them of possible sightings.