The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued six passengers and crew members onboard a distressed motorbanca off Socorro, Surigao del Norte on Sunday, Jan. 14.
Motorbanca “Siarelco” was transiting the vicinity waters of Sitio Kalangugan in Barangay Rizal when it encountered gust of wind and big waves which broke its rudder, causing the operator to lose control of the boat, according to PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo.
According to boat operator Vanjuan Matulac, they departed from Feeder Port in Brgy. Navarro, Socorro at 8:40 a.m. en route to Brgy. 12 in Catabaan, Dapa, Surigao del Norte.
The Coast Guard Station Bucas Grande Quick Response Team deployed a rescue boat to search the distressed vessel and rescue the passengers.
The boat was then towed to the Port of Socorro by the PCG.
Meanwhile, the PCG also rescued a Filipino crew member of a foreign bulk carrier who suffered from tachycardia, a medical condition where one’s heart beats unusually fast, off Palauig Island in Bataan on Sunday.
Danilo Lozada, chief engineer of MV Agia Valentini, experienced tachycardia, swollen face, and body weakness which prompted his colleagues to call for help.
The Coast Guard Medical Service rendered medical attention to the patient upon arrival at the vicinity waters at 2:38 a.m. before he was evacuated to Mariveles.
Lozada was brought to Mariveles District Hospital for further observation.