24 passengers of stranded boat rescued off Romblon coast

The Coast Guard Sub Station (CGSS) Romblon on Tuesday rescued the crew and 24 passengers of a vessel that was stranded in the vicinity waters off Sitio Ipil in Barangay Lonos, Romblon.

The CGSS said the motorbanca El Carmen encountered engine trouble while in open water.

“Mr. Eric Macaya, the owner of MBCA El Carmen, reported to CGSS Romblon that his motorbanca had suffered engine failure in the said vicinity. In response, CGSS Romblon immediately deployed its personnel aboard the LGU Rescue Boat “One Romblon” to assess the situation and conduct a possible SAR (search and rescue) operation,” said the Coast Guard on Wednesday.

PCG personnel found the vessel stationary, with its anchor deployed to prevent it from drifting. The rescuers later towed the vessel to Barangay 1, Poblacion.

“Following the operation, CGSS Romblon advised Mr. Macaya to carry out the necessary engine repairs and conduct a sea trial before resuming operations,” CGSS Romblon said. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News