TWO persons were rescued from a motorized banca that sank off Gilutungan Island, Cordova, Cebu on Sunday, Dec. 28. (PCG-7)
CEBU CITY – Eighteen persons were rescued after a motorized banca sank off Gilutungan Island, Cordova, Cebu on Sunday, Dec. 28.
Initial findings revealed that the motorized banca sailed from Getafe, Bohol for Cebu City when it became unstable near the waters off Gilutungan Island.
The boat eventually capsized and drifted towards Cuaming Island, Bohol, the Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas (PCG-7) said.
Coast Guard personnel manning the Passenger Assistance Center Desk at RoRo Port were alerted about the incident at 1:20 p.m.
A Coast Guard member onboard MV Ocean Jet 10, a fast craft plying the Getafe-Bohol route, coordinated with the PCG-7 after the vessel chanced upon the distressed motor banca.
Personnel of the fast craft rescued 14 passengers. Two other passengers were rescued by a passing motor banca.
During the search and rescue operations, the PCG-7 deployed its Response Boat-023 and a hired motorized banca.
Coast Guard personnel rescued the boat skipper and his son at 2:11 p.m.
No serious injuries were reported among the rescued passengers.
The ill-fated banca was towed to Cordova Reef.
The Coast Guard District Central Visayas commended the swift coordination and timely assistance provided by responding Coast Guard units, MV Ocean Jet 10, and local fishermen.