199 passengers rescued from stricken ferry off Camiguin Island

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines - Philippine Coast authorities rescued some 199 passengers of Super Shuttle Ferry 9 after its boat engine malfunctioned off Camiguin Island Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard said Wednesday. The ferry had just left the town of Guinsiliban in Camiguin Island and was bound for Balingoan port in Misamis Oriental when it reported its engine was malfunctioning around 9:30 a.m. according to Chief Master Alfredo Aquino of the Philippine Coast Guard Station in Macabalan this city. "Hindi daw nakayanan ng makina ang malakas na alon at hangin kaya nag-drift ang ferry," Aquino said. Aquino said they immediately sent their Coast Guard 3503 to rush to the scene. By this time, the Super Shuttle Ferry 9 was drifting closer to the dangerous waters off Sipaca Point in Medina town, Misamis Oriental. Teddy Sabugaa, Misamis Oriental Social Welfare and Development officer, said he received a frantic message from his wife, Floresca and two children who was on board on the drifting ferry. Sabugaa said he informed Gov. Oscar Moreno who also issued instructions to alert town officials to send fishermen to the rescue. He said Super Shuttle Ferry 1, a sister ship of the stricken ferry, was first to arrive at the scene and attempted to tow the boat to Balingoan. But the tow line broke and Sabugaa said the passengers have to transfer to the Super Shuttle Ferry 1 at high seas. The passengers of the stricken ferry reached Balingoan port five hours later. Medical teams were already at the port to assist the passengers. - Sun.Star