The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rescued seven passengers (including children) and three crew of distressed motorbanca, MBCA AYOS, in the vicinity off Zapato Gamay, Roxas City, Capiz, on 14 January 2024.

According to the crew, they encountered a mechanical trouble (detached shafting from its transmission), which caused the motorbanca to be "dead in the water" approximately five nautical miles northeast of Olotayan Island.

The boat captain decided to drop anchor and sought rescue assistance.

The Coast Guard SAR team found MBCA AYOS approximately ten nautical miles northwest of Zapato Dako/Mayor Island.

The passengers and crew were transferred to the rescue boat, while the distressed motorbanca was towed toward the nearest island to take shelter due to unfavorable sea condition.

On 15 January 2024, MBCA AYOS was towed to the Coast Guard Sub-Station in Calumpang, Masbate for temporary safekeeping.

Meanwhile, the passengers and crew were ferried to their residences at Barangay Ubo, Balud, Masbate.

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