PCG rescues 23 individuals after boat sinks near Sombrero Island
(Philippine Coast Guard)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued 23 people from a distressed recreational banca (RBCA) off the waters of Sombrero Island in San Pascual, Masbate, on Saturday, Jan. 3.
The Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDSTL) said the incident involved RBCA Harlyn, which developed a hole in its hull while sailing from the Port of San Andres in Quezon province to Sombrero Island.
The boat began taking in seawater at around 11:15 a.m., prompting a distress report to the PCG.
RBCA Harlyn was carrying 20 passengers and three crew members, including the boat captain. A search and rescue team was dispatched aboard another recreational banca, RBCA Jerico, to respond to the incident.
By 2:00 p.m., the rescue team found RBCA Harlyn already half-submerged. Another vessel, RBCA Harlyn 4, was also nearby and assisted in the operation.
All passengers and crew were transferred safely to the responding boats and brought to Sombrero Island. The PCG confirmed that everyone was accounted for and unharmed.
The PCG said no injuries were reported and no further incidents occurred during the rescue.