PCG. Personnel of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Camarines Norte successfully rescued Mr. Rey Caro, a 48 year old boat Captain of capsized motor banca who went missing at the vicinity waters off Barangay Masalong-salong, Mercedes, Camarines Norte last Monday, April 16.

Immediately, CGS Camarines Norte together with CGSS Mercedes and MDRRMO proceeded to the said area and conducted search and rescue operations.

Initial inquiry revealed that the said motor banca with 20 persons onboard departed Brgy. Caringo Island enroute to Brgy. Masalong-salong, Mercedes, Camarines Norte to attend a wedding where they suddenly encountered engine trouble while transisting on the said vicinity. The motorbanca became unstable and listed on the port side which eventually caused them to capsize. Fortunately, some passengers managed to swim at the nearest shoreline of Brgy. Masalong-salong, Mercedes, Camarines Norte while other passengers were rescued by a passing motor banca, but the boat Captain was still missing.

Thereafter, the team conducted foot patrol at the shoreline of Barangay Masalong-salong, Mercedes, Camarines Norte when they suddenly saw a person waving hands at more or less 50 meters from their position. Immediately, said team rescued the person and later identified as Mr. Rey Caro, the Boat Captain of the capsized motor banca. Subsequently, Mr Caro was brought to the house of one of the passengers for medical assistance.

The 20 passengers were all rescued and in good physical condition.