The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) towed a half-submerged motorbanca, KENN STEPHANIE at the vicinity waters off Pandan Island, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro yesterday, 24 September 2021.

While underway from Coron, Palawan going to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, the distressed motorbanca encountered big waves and a strong current that damaged its bow, causing it to half submerge.

The five crew members and one shipper survived the incident, but the seven carabaos and four cows on board the distressed motorbanca died due to drowning.

After towing the half-submerged motorbanca to Sablayan Port, the PCG coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Municipal Environment and National Resources Office (MENRO), and the Municipal Veterinary and Sanitary Inspector for the proper disposition of the dead farm animals.

The Sablayan Municipal Police Station was also tapped for documentation and further investigation.