6 rescued from distressed boat

MANILA, Philippines — Six persons were rescued after their boat was battered by strong winds and big waves while sailing in the waters off Surigao del Norte on Sunday.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the motorized boat Siarelco was headed to Dapa from Socorro town when it encountered bad weather at around 8:40 a.m.

Boat operator Vanjuan Matulac told the PCG that their boat’s rudder was damaged, causing him to lose control of the wheel as they were sailing in the waters off Barangay Rizal, Socorro.

The PCG said it received a call from a concerned citizen about the situation of the Siarelco.

A team from the PCG station on Bucas Grande Island responded and proceeded to the area on board M/B Khelera.

The team towed the Siarelco back to the port of Socorro, where the passengers received medical attention.