(UPDATE)
A motorboat capsized off Green Island Bay in Roxas, Palawan on Thursday, Jan. 25, triggering search operations which led to the rescue of seven passengers onboard.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the white-colored boat encountered big waves and strong winds while en route to Barangay Poblacion from Barangay Calandagan, both in Araceli town.
Seaborne patrollers from Bantay Dagat Roxas reported the incident to the PCG station in Palawan around 10:30 p.m.
"The PCG immediately coordinated with transiting vessels for possible sightings but yielded a negative result," PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo said on Friday, Jan. 26.
The Philippine Navy (PN) deployed NH434, an Agusta Westland (AW) 109 helicopter, to help in the search and rescue mission.
"The aircraft’s mission plays a pivotal role in assessing the vast maritime area, gathering critical information, and coordinating with rescue teams on the ground," said Captain Ellaine Rose Collado, acting public affairs officer of the Naval Forces West.
In an update, PCG information officer Dianne Gumatay said the seven passengers were rescued by PCG multi-role response vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702).
"Latest [information] from the PCG District Palawan [said] BRP Melchora Aquino crew already found the seven individuals," she said.
"They are safe," she added.
Meanwhile, the Navy also reported that another motorboat also flipped over while transiting Ilian Bay in Roxas, Palawan last Jan. 24.
Four passengers were rescued from the distressed boat.
Accordingly, the passengers were on their way to the remote island village of Calandagan Island in Araceli, Palawan from Brgy. Liminangcong in Taytay, Palawan when they encountered bad weather at sea.