A passenger boat malfunctioned and was rendered half-submerged while traversing the waters off Balicasag Island in Panglao, Bohol last Monday, Feb. 24.
Fortunately, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Wednesday, Feb. 26, that it had rescued 12 passengers, the boat captain, and a crew member of motorbanca (MBCA) Ayoshin Kim Rin 8.
According to an investigation, the motorboat’s engine malfunctioned and stopped while the vessel was underway to Panglao.
The captain lost control of the boat, causing it to be half-submerged after being battered by big waves.
The Coast Guard Sub-Station Balicasag received information about the predicament of the passenger boat. Coast Guard personnel were immediately deployed to the area to render necessary assistance.
The PCG located the boat and transferred all 14 onboard to two other motorbancas, MBCA Nika and MBCA Niah Naj.
After making sure the passengers and crew were secured, the PCG towed the distressed boat to the coastline of Panglao.
The rescued individuals were checked and they were all “in good physical condition,” according to the PCG.
They were turned over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices (MENRO) Panglao for further assistance, the PCG noted.