PCG rescues six as motorbanca nearly sinks off Negros Oriental
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued six passengers after a motor banca nearly sank while crossing waters between Negros Oriental and Cebu on Saturday, Dec. 27.
A report from the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Negros Oriental said the incident happened off Guihulngan City and near Dumanjug, Cebu.
The banca left Barangay Hilaitan in Guihulngan City bound for Cebu when its operator accidentally damaged the hull, causing water to rush in and the boat to become half submerged.
At around 1:45 p.m., the crew of LCT Island III spotted the distressed banca drifting at sea and carried out rescue operations, safely pulling all six passengers onboard to safety.
The crew also managed to heave the partially submerged banca onto the vessel. It was later transported to Bolado Port in Guihulngan City.
Personnel from the CGS Negros Oriental coordinated the response and assisted upon arrival at port. The rescued passengers were later turned over to their families.
The PCG said no injuries were reported and all passengers were accounted for and declared safe.