A total of nine crew members were out into safety and found in good physical condition after its boat went half submerged at vicinity waters off Malabrigo Point, Batangas, yesterday, 22 December 2023.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Batangas was alerted by the Vessel Traffic Management System regarding the half-submersion of Motorbanca Hasta Lavista.

The incident occurred amidst moderate to rough weather and sea conditions.

The vessel, identified as Motorbanca Hasta Lavista, departed Dinagat Island, Surigao, on 20 December 2023, enroute to Calatagan, Batangas.

The newly acquired boat, with a gross tonnage of 35, was intended for passenger operations.

On the evening of December 22, the boat's outrigger sustained damage due to adverse sea conditions, resulting in its half-submerged state in the vicinity waters of Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.

The MV Ocean Dependable, a Danish-flagged vessel, heroically rescued the passengers around 10 PM.

The Coast Guard swiftly responded, and all nine crew members were safely evacuated, from the responding vessel and all rescued persons found in good physical condition.

Despite the efforts to communicate and coordinate with the captain of Ocean Dependable, the skipper of Motorbanca Hasta Lavista made a decision to abandon the half-submerged boat due to strong waves.

CGSS Lobo personnel, along with the rescued crew, safely arrived at CGSS Lobo.

Simultaneously, CGSS Lobo coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Lobo to ensure necessary assistance and support for the affected parties.

A Notice to Mariners has been issued regarding the half-submerged by the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog.

CGSS Lobo will conduct a surface search in the area to locate the boat for retrieval due to navigation hazards.

They will also notify transiting motorbancas in the Lobo, Batangas, to Calapan, Mindoro route for possible sightings.

CGS Batangas has alerted nearby sub-stations to be vigilant for possible drifting of the boat, urging immediate reporting of any sightings.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/6S4gTnxDAzSsuWay/