PCG: Personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Rapu-Rapu rescued 78 passengers and seven crew onboard motor banca “Er-Chrissa” which ran aground at the vicinity waters of Pagol Island, Rapu-Rapu, Albay approximately half nautical mile from Rapu-Rapu Port this morning, June 11.

Report received from the CGSS Rapu-Rapu personnel disclosed that while onboard motor banca “Sta Teresa” enroute to Rapu-Rapu Port, Brgy Poblacion, Rapu-Rapu, Albay, he sighted the abovementioned motor banca ran aground and called the Sub-station for rescue operations.

Immediately, SAR team of CGSS Rapu-Rapu onboard aluminum boat 203 conducted search and rescue operations and subsequently sighted the aground motor banca. The team successfully transferred all passengers and crew to motor banca “Sta Teresa” after disembarking all her passengers to Rapu-Rapu Port.

Around 10:05 AM of the same date, all rescued passengers and crew of motor banca El-Chrissa who arrived at Rapu-Rapu Port were in good physical condition.

Investigation from the skipper of the motor banca revealed that while at the said vicinity, he failed to notice the shallow portion causing her to aground. Moreover, they will wait for the highest tide before conducting towing operations.

The SAR team advised the skipper to file a Marine protest relative to the incident.