The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reminds passengers, motorbanca operators, and other maritime stakeholders to follow sea travel suspension and safety advisories to prevent the occurrence of maritime accidents which may lead to loss of lives and/or damage to properties.

Amid tropical depression, #VickyPH yesterday, 19 December 2020, a privately-owned motorbanca that was hired for public transport departed from Barangay Poblacion, Rapu-Rapu, Albay — with 16 passengers and crew on-board — submerged due to strong winds and big waves at vicinity waters off Sitio Moroboron, Barangay Misibis, Bacacay, Albay.

Immediately, personnel of the Coast Guard Station Albay proceeded to the incident area and secured all passengers and crew. The PCG team brought them to the nearest shoreline where those who incurred minor injuries were provided with immediate medical assistance.

Tomorrow, 21 December 2020, the Coast Guard Station Albay, together with the involved individuals, will continue the investigation about the maritime incident.