Coast Guard rescues 20 fishing enthusiasts stranded off Guimaras

The Philippine Coast Guard rescued 20 anglers from a motor banca that went dead in the water after encountering engine trouble off Guimaras Sunday.

 

The Coast Guard said Monday that its Iloilo unit's search-and-rescue team rescued 20 members of the Panay Anglers Association off Barangay Dagsaan in Buenavista, Guimaras.

 

In a post on its Facebook page, the Coast Guard said the 20 were aboard the motor banca "Mystic Smile" whose engine failed, causing it to drift toward the area.

 

Coast Guard personnel held rescue operations and towed the distressed motor banca to Parola Wharf in Fort San Pedro in Iloilo City.

 

Investigation showed the crew of the "Mystic Smile" were on a fishing expedition off Barangay Hoskyn in Jordan, Guimaras when the vessel's engine stopped.

 

Following the incident, the Coast Guard Iloilo issued a Maritime Violation Report against the motor banca's captain for operating without a special permit to conduct fishing.

 

The vessel was also cited for leaving port without clearance. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News