All 53 passengers and 7 crew of a vessel that was on its way to Sibonga town in Cebu were safely rescued after it sent out a distress call on Thursday morning.
In an initial report by the Philippine Coast Guard in Central Visayas (PCG-7), they said the vessel named “M/V Siargao Princess” left for Loon town, Bohol at 9:30 a.m.
When it was three to five nautical miles away from the port in Sibonga, it encountered huge waves. Water started entering the vessel.
It is not yet clear, as of this writing, if the vessel capsized or sunk.
PCG-7 immediately sent out its MRRV 4406 or BRP Suluan to do rescue operations.
A video shared by PCG-7 showed passengers wearing life vests already in the seawater.
At 2:21 pm (PH time), Lt. Jr. Grade Michael John Encina, spokesman of PCG-7 told reporters that they were able to rescue everyone on board including the crew.
They are now aboard the PCG vessel en route to Cebu City’s port to receive medical attention.
