A total of ten teachers and a child onboard an engine troubled motorbanca were rescued by the personnel from Bantay Dagat Bacacay and Sto Domingo, Albay with elements from Coast Guard Station Victory and Coast Guard Sub-Station Bacacay last Friday, August 3 at vicinity waters off Brgy Buhatan, Sto. Domingo, Albay.
According to the report, said teachers went to one of the schools in Brgy Rapu-Rapu, Albay and hired a motorbanca from Albay after missing the last scheduled trip by land. While enroute to Legazpi City, subject motorbanca incurred damage on its motor axle that resulted to engine trouble. One of the teachers immediately informed the nearest Bantay Dagat office to request assistance. Bantay Dagat also coordinated with the Coast Guard to assist in the rescue operations.
A joint search and rescue team was launched to render towing operations to the distressed motorbanca to the nearest shoreline. All passengers were found to be in good physical condition and were sent home to their respective families after the towing operation.
Meanwhile, PCG Commandant Admiral Elson E Hermogino advised all units to closely monitor movements of teachers and students utilizing sea crafts in performing school related activities and transporting students to school. Admiral Hermogino said that PCG personnel should be on the look out of this sea crafts from the moment they leave pier until the arrival on their destination.