NEGROS Occidental – Twenty-two passengers were rescued after a motorbanca partially submerged off Sipaway Island in San Carlos City on Friday, November 6.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), MBCA GRACELLE was navigating near Dapdap Port when it was battered by strong waves. The sudden movement of passengers to one side of the vessel disrupted its balance, causing it to capsize and partially submerge.
Nearby boat operators immediately came to the rescue, retrieving all 22 passengers from the water. Responding Coast Guard personnel, along with local authorities, transferred the victims to safety aboard the city’s Rescue Boat POSEIDON and Bantay Dagat Rescue Boat STINGRAY.
All passengers received medical assistance from the San Carlos City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. They were all cleared to return home shortly after.
Following the incident, the PCG reiterated its call to boat operators to strictly enforce passenger distribution, observe load limits, and maintain extra vigilance during rough sea conditions to prevent maritime accidents. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
