The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued three passengers of a distressed motorbanca at approximately five nautical miles west of Capones Island, San Antonio, Zambales today, 08 October 2021.

On 03 October 2021, the said individuals boarded motorbanca, ADONIS, and departed from Noveleta, Cavite to ferry their relatives to Mariveles, Bataan.

On their way back to Noveleta, they encountered engine trouble at the vicinity waters of Ternate until their motorbanca was drifted to an undetermined location due to strong winds and big waves caused by tropical depression ‘’Lannie’’.

Immediately, the PCG organized simultaneous search and rescue (SAR) operations at the vicinity waters of Maragondon, Ternate, and Noveleta, Cavite.

The PCG also coordinated with the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) Corregidor for the broadcasting of the description of motorbanca to transiting vessels for possible sightings.

Coastal community residents and local fishermen were also informed of the maritime incident for assistance.

After five days of non-stop SAR operations, 38-year-old Joey Lescano, 29-year-old Jessabel Semella, and 16-year-old Jhon Larence Reyes — all residents of Barangay 7, Cavite City were rescued.

The PCG transported the rescued individuals from Zambales to Cavite City in good physical condition.