PCG: Personnel from Coast Guard Sub-Station Estancia rescued thirty-two (32) passengers of motorbanca “Julita 4” after she submerged at vicinity waters approximately 300 meters away from Estancia Port Iloilo, last Tuesday, May 8.

The said incident was reported by a certain Mr. Rolando Velasquez, a resident of Brgy. Bulaqueña, Estancia informing that there was a ramming incident transpired at the said area. Upon receipt of the report, Deployable Response Team (DRT) from CGSS Estancia immediately proceeded to the incident area to verify the said report and render necessary assistance.

Upon arrival thereat, DRT spotted the f/bca totally submerged with all her crew clinging at its top portion. The team immediately conducted Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and transferred all survivors to Aluminum Boat (AB 061).

Investigation revealed that while f/bca “Julita 4” anchored at vicinity waters approximately 300 meters away from Estancia Port, she was accidentally hit and rammed at the fantail by LCT Navictar, a cargo vessel on undocking maneuver from Estacia Port bound to Tabuelab, Cebu City, which caused the f/bca to submerge into the water.

CGSS Estacia DRT advised the boat Captain of f/bca Julita 4 and Master of LCT Navistar to file for Marine Protest. Moreover, CGS Iloilo directed Sub-Station Commander, CGSS Estacia to conduct Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection (VSEI) to LCT Navistar.

All thirty-two (32) rescued survivors were in good physical condition.