The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued seven passengers, including three minors, of a distressed motorbanca at the vicinity waters approximately two nautical miles southwest of Barangay Sawang, Capul Island, Northern Samar yesterday, 01 July 2021.

According to the rescued individuals, they departed at Rizal, Sorsogon enroute to Zumarraga, Western Samar.

While navigating at the vicinity waters off Cataingan, Masbate, the motorbanca’s engine overheated, causing it to explode. It led to the damage of the motorbanca’s flooring, as well as its freeboard.

The search and rescue (SAR) team, composed of personnel from the PCG Station Northern Samar, PCG Sub-Station Allen, and Clearing Outpost (COP) Capul, successfully found the distressed motorbanca that was dead on water and swiftly rescued the victims.

The rescued individuals were brought to the nearest shoreline where they were declared in good physical condition.

Subsequently, they were transported to Barangay Dagom, Calbayog City on board PCG vehicle where they were turned-over to their relatives.