BACOLOD City – In a successful rescue operation, 172 passengers were saved after a fast craft bound for Iloilo City experienced mechanical failure off the coasts of Panay and Negros islands yesterday afternoon.
There were no serious injuries reported, although some passengers received treatment for minor sea sickness from paramedics and members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Auxiliary 618th Squadron.
M/V Weesam Express 6 departed from Bredco port in Bacolod City at 11:30 a.m. During its journey, the vessel encountered unexpected mechanical issues, according to Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, chief of the PCG Northern Negros Occidental Station.
At the time of this report, the PCG was still investigating the specific nature of these problems, but preliminary findings suggested a breakdown of the fast craft’s engines, leading to its immobilization.
Upon receiving a distress call from the vessel, the PCG’s Bredco sub-station, led by Chief Petty Officer Louie Campaner, quickly organized a rescue effort.
Marine tugboats Sadr and Arcturus were deployed from Bredco port for the operation, and the Coast Guard District Western Visayas also dispatched the PCG patrol vessel BRP Kalanggaman (FPB-2404) from Iloilo City.
The combined efforts of these teams successfully resulted in the M/V Weesam Express 6 being towed back to Bredco port without further incident. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
