PCG- Davao: A total of 45 passengers and five crews were successfully rescued by the responders from the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Davao and other local rescue units of a submerged motorbanca “Sam Cristoffer” at approximately 150 meters away from Sta Ana Wharf in Davao City on May 19.

The ill-fated motorbanca was enroute to Coral Garden, in Samal Island to conduct island hopping. Unfortunately, while conducting backing maneuver, the boat accidentally caught the mooring lines under water causing the banca to forcibly squat during forward maneuver. The forward part of the banca was also damaged causing the ingress of water.

The team together with rescuers from Central 911, Regional Maritime Unit (RMU)-XI, Task Force Davao, Brgy 19, Davao City, Brgy Lapu-Lapu, Davao City, provided necessary assistance during the conduct of search and rescue.

On the other hand, Medical-SEM, Davao Fire Fighter Rescue Services (DFRS) and Bureau Of Fire Protection (BFP)-XI prepositioned at Sta Ana Pier and gave assistance to the rescued passengers and crew.

Motorbanca “Sam Cristoffer” was towed to the Sta Ana Wharf. The boat captain was advised to file marine protest regarding the incident.