13 crewmembers of vessel carrying sand, gravel rescued in Batanes

Thirteen crewmembers of a vessel carrying sand, gravel, and other construction aggregates were rescued in Basco, Batanes on early Monday morning, authorities said. Huge waves caused by strong west winds may have caused the MV Ivatan to run aground a rocky area near the old port, a fisherman who reported the incident said. Upon receiving the distress call at 2:50 in the morning, the fisherman relayed the information to the Basco, Batanes Police Station. Elements of the Basco Police Station, led by Rovelita Aglipay, immediately proceeded to the site and undertook joint rescue operations with the Philippine Coast Guard, Senior Supt. Rolando Asuncion of the Batanes Police Dept. said. Rescued victims were slightly injured and were treated ina hospital in Basco. As of posting time, the total crewmembers of the ship — which travels between Basco and Itbayat — were not determined. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV