ELEVEN passengers were rescued by authorities after their boat capsized in Barangay Calumangan, Bago City, Negros Occidental on Friday, May 15. (Coast Guard District Southern Visayas)
BACOLOD CITY – The Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Pulupandan in Negros Occidental rescued 11 passengers of a boat that sank in the sea between Bago City, Negros Occidental and Guimaras Island on Friday, May 15.
Investigation said that the boat with passengers attending the burial of a relative encountered strong waves en route to San Lorenzo, Guimaras from Bantayan Park, Bago City.
It capsized in Barangay Calumangan and the Coast Guard coordinated with two motor bancas from community support partners in Bago City and Pulupandan, which were the first to respond, followed by tugboats for search and rescue operation.
Eleven persons were rescued.
Six were transported to Bantayan Park onboard a motor banca and provided immediate assistance by the Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental-Bacolod City Chapter.
Five rode a tugboat and disembarked at the Bredco Port here where they were assisted and fetched by the Bago City ambulance for medical assessment.
The Coast Guard said all passengers were safe and well.
A boat crew said that their boat capsized after the outrigger booms were cut.
Bago City Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao thanked responders and volunteers for their courage, rapid response, and unwavering commitment to saving lives in emergencies.