8 rescued from distressed tourist boat off Mindoro

MANILA, Philippines — Four South Koreans and four Filipino crewmembers were rescued from a tourist boat that developed engine trouble in the waters off Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Southern Tagalog district said its members rendered assistance to the passengers of M/B Monaliza, including boat captain Christian Lee Aracan, 27, and crewmembers Alexander Tria, 37; Aldrin Pacheco, 22; and Erick Aglinis, 37.

South Korean dive master Seon Cheon Choi, 36, and tourists Bae Woori, 32; Choi Soeun, 36; and Lee Hyeokho, 32, were also rescued.

The eight were returning from a diving spot when the boat developed engine failure, reportedly caused by a malfunctioning clutch lining.

The PCG conducted search and rescue operations after the boat captain sought assistance.

The boat was located around nine nautical miles southwest of Sablayan Port.