The aluminum boat that was used by the four Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel who went missing while on a rescue mission during the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Egay” in Aparri, Cagayan was finally found, providing a glimmer of hope that the rescuers survived the ordeal.
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
The PCG said the white aluminum boat (AB-956) was spotted floating in the water approximately seven miles from Calayan Island on Sunday, July 30, by the crew of a passenger vessel.
“Ayon sa Coast Guard District North Eastern Luzon, namataan ito ng MV Eagle Ferry habang naglalagayag sa katubigang sakop ng Calayan Island (According to Coast Guard District North Eastern Luzon, it was found by the MV Eagle Ferry while sailing in the waters off Calayan Island),” the PCG said.
However, the missing PCG personnel have yet to be located as the fifth day of search and rescue operations continued on Monday, July 31.
“The rescuers are still missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing,” said PCG communications officer Joy Diane Gumatay.
***(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)***
Photos provided by the PCG showed the aluminum boat sustained damages. However, its outboard motor was still intact when inspected by the coast guard personnel.
The missing rescuers were last seen holding onto the aluminum boat as they were swept away by raging waters off Cagayan River last July 26.
They were part of a rescue team dispatched by the PCG to respond to motor tugboat Iroquois which ran aground at the mouth of the Cagayan River. One of the crew members suffered heart attack.
The sighting of the aluminum boat came days after the PCG also located the seven crew of MTug Iroquois who were all safe.