PCG: A total of 108 individuals were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard after the passenger vessel “MV Milagrosa J-3” ran aground off Banda Point, Bisucay Island Cuyo, Palawan yesterday, March 2.

Said passenger vessel which was skippered by Captain Nelson Ortaliz with business address at Jarfel Bleg. Lapuz Norte Lapaz, Iloilo departed Cuyo Port bound to IloIlo City when it rans aground at 11 PM last friday, March 1.

A certain passenger identified as Ms. Delrose Degocano, 27 years old resident of Brgy Igabas Magsaysay, Cuyo Palawan, called Coast Guard Station Cuyo asking for assistance.

Immediately, CGS Cuyo coordinated with CG District Palawan and proceeded to the abovementioned area to verify the veracity of the said report. Upon arrival thereat, the team positively confirmed the report and conducted search and rescue operation (SAR).

Barko Republika ng Pilipinas Sindangan (MRRV-4407) then arrived at the said vicinity. They rendered medical assistance, conducted SAR operation, and transferred all the passengers from MV Milagrosa J-3 to the Port of Cuyo.

Captain Ortaliz disclosed that while they are transiting at vicinity waters of the said island, they encountered strong winds and strong current that caused their vessel to be dragged at the shallow part.

Meanwhile, the team transferred all the 93 passengers and 15 crew to BRP Sindangan and safely arrived in Cuyo Port at 12:15 PM of March 2 in good physical condition.