NINETEEN passengers were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Malamawi after a fishing boat sank off DBCom Panacan, Ilang, Davao City, on Saturday, March 22.
PCG Southeastern Mindanao spokesperson Ensign Winston Gonzales reported that all 19 passengers (from the 3-gross-tonnage fishing boat) were safely rescued.
Gonzales clarified it was a fishing boat, not a passenger motorboat, that sank.
The passengers were en route to Sanipaan beach in Samal for swimming when the boat encountered trouble at sea.
Rescued individuals are now at DPWH Panacan Wharf for medical examinations by Coast Guard medical teams.
Gonzales emphasized that the boat was not authorized to carry passengers.
Investigation indicates the boat suffered engine trouble and sank due to strong waves.
Meanwhile, Central 911, CDRRMO, BFP, and Task Force Davao joined the Coast Guard in the rescue operation.
