Fifty individuals were safely rescued after the motorbanca they were riding half-capsized in the vicinity waters off Brgy. Pilar, San Antonio in Northern Samar province on August 2, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.
In an incident report posted Thursday, PCG said it assisted in joint search and rescue (SAR) operations and successfully rescued 41 passengers and nine crew members including the boat captain of MBCA SPIRIT.
"The affected individuals were transferred to MBCA LEANBE, which transported them to San Vicente," it said.
Four passengers who sought medical attention are declared in good condition.
"Meanwhile, three fishing bancas towed the MBCA SPIRIT to San Antonio, Northern Samar," the Coast Guard said.
LOOK: 41 na pasahero at 9 na crew ng isang bangka na bahagyang lumubog sa Northern Samar ang nailigtas ng PCG | RH29 @boy_gonzales#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) August 3, 2023
📷PCG pic.twitter.com/xLbjXsei5b
According to PCG, the MBCA SPIRIT took off from the Municipality of Victoria, Northern Samar.
While it was en route to the Municipality of San Vicente, it met big waves that caused damage to its bows.
Aside from PCG, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRM) of San Antonio, the Municipal Police Station (MPS) of San Antonio, and local fishermen joined the SAR operations.
