ANTIQUE – Eight people were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) after their fishing banca capsized off the waters of Culasi, Antique, while seeking shelter from rough weather late Tuesday night, August 4.
The Coast Guard Station Antique, through the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Culasi, launched a search-and-rescue operation after receiving a distress report at about 10:30 p.m. from Elmer Taroja that the fishing banca “Taga Bukid” had capsized approximately 5.7 nautical miles off Culasi.
The CGSS Culasi Deployable Response Team immediately responded to the incident and located the distressed vessel at about 12:42 a.m. on August 5.
All eight persons on board were safely rescued and the banca was towed to the shoreline of Barangay Lipata, Culasi.
The Coast Guard said all crew members were accounted for and were found to be in good physical condition, with no reported injuries.
Investigation showed that the fishing banca had departed Malay, Aklan, and was bound for Barangay Lipata, Culasi, to seek shelter from unfavorable weather conditions.
While en route, the vessel encountered strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas. Authorities said the exhaust pipe inside the vessel’s storage compartment broke, allowing seawater to enter the banca until it eventually capsized.
The Coast Guard said the successful rescue operation highlighted its commitment to protecting lives at sea through prompt response, effective coordination, and dedicated public service, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
The agency also reminded mariners and fisherfolk to monitor weather advisories regularly and avoid sailing when sea conditions are unsafe./PN
