10 passengers rescued near Romblon after motorbanca malfunction

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 10 distressed passengers were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office after experiencing vehicular trouble in the vicinity waters off Romblon.

According to the PCG on Friday, the motorbanca MBCA JEDIDIAH 2 broke its propeller shaft while underway from Looc Pier (Looc, Romblon) to Caticlan Port (Malay, Aklan). This caused the boat to drift last February 8.

"On 03:40 p.m., Mr.  Benrol Palacio, operator of MBCA 'Jedidiah 2,' informed CGSS Looc through a phone call that the said motorbanca went into distress with nine passengers onboard in the said vicinity," said the Coast Guard Station Romblon on Thursday.

"Upon receipt of the report, personnel of CGSS Looc and Bantay-Dagat onboard the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office rescue boat, together with MBCA 'Gezel Kelvin,' proceeded to the incident area to conduct a search and rescue (SAR) operation."

MBCA "Gezel Kelvin" towed MBCA "Jedidiah 2" to Brgy. Poblacion, Looc Pier after ensuring that all passengers were safe, alongside the boat's operator.

The Coast Guard are happy to report that all the rescued individuals have already returned home since and are in good physical condition.