At least 50 Korean nationals were rescued after the motorbanca they boarded on submerged in the waters of Lapu-Lapu City.

The Korean tourists were off to San Vicente Marine Sanctuary in Olango Island when the boat sustained a hole on its starboard side.

Personnel of the Bantay Dagat and Coast Guard Lapu-Lapu Substation rescued the tourists on January 4, 2025. The tourists availed of island-hopping activities from a company owned by another Korean national. It is based in Barangay Maribago.

All the guests are safe, including 12 staff members of the company that went with the guests, the two boatmen, and the skipper of the motorbanca.

Anacleto Barong Diaz Jr., the boat captain, said that they left Maribago wharf at 11:46 a.m. on January 4 toward San Vicente Olango Island. But as soon as they were getting near the sanctuary, both engines conked out. He said the situation posed challenges in maneuvering the boat, which prompted him to make a distress call.

According to Coast Guard Lapu-Lapu Substation, the boat is equipped with safety tools and devices, including life vests.

The rescued individuals were rushed to the hospital to have their health status examined.

In addition, two other incidents of mishaps at sea involved a fisherman from Olango on his way to Catarman, Liloan to sell seafoods supposedly. But he experienced engine trouble while near Barangay Punta Engaño. The fisherman is safe, but his motorbanca submerged after it sustained certain damage.

Another motorbanca from Barangay Baring bound for Barangay Punta Engaño port also experienced engine trouble while navigating off Barangay Subabasbas. Both the skipper and the boatman are safe. Their motorbancas were towed toward Marigondon Port.