BACOLOD City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Western Visayas recorded only five maritime-related incidents since its new commander assumed office in November last year.
PCG-Western Visayas commander Captain Weniel Azcuna said yesterday morning that these recorded incidents were the ones that required them to initiate rescue operations.
The commander pointed out that most incidents were caused by mechanical issues in the vessels.
The most serious incident involved M/V Weesam Express 6 in November of last year, Azcuna said.
To recall, the fast craft suffered a malfunction in its rudder, forcing the vessel captain to stop in the middle of the Iloilo Strait.
None of the 172 passengers and 19 crew members were seriously injured in the incident.
Two members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) who played key roles in the rescue operation were awarded the Search and Rescue Merit ribbon. They were Captain Noel Imalay and Commander Rolando Corona Jr. of the 618th PCGA squadron.
Both Imalay and Corona led the rescue operation by dispatching the tugboats Arcturus and Sadr and participated in towing the troubled vessel along with its passengers and crew safely back to Bredco port in Bacolod City.
The other noteworthy incidents, according to Azcuna, involved tourist boats in Carles, Iloilo, and Capiz two weeks ago. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
