Coast Guard Station Surigao personnel together with the crew of Landing Craft Tank (LCT) “GT Express 1” rendered assistance to the two hundred sixty four (264) passengers and 20 crews onboard M/V “Maria Oliva” after she encountered engine trouble at vicinity waters off Agusan Del Norte last Saturday, 01 April.

Initial reports disclosed that at 7:20 PM of the said date, a certain Wilfredo Maguilimoton, Operation Marshal of Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc. appeared to Coast Guard Station Surigao and reported the incident. He further requested for a rescue assistance.

Upon receipt of the said report, CGS Surigao personnel immediately coordinated with LCT “GT Express 1” which was bound to Surigao City for a joint rescue mission.

At 3:36 AM of 02 April, PCG SAR team boarded M/V “Maria Oliva” and conducted towing and relief operations to the two hundred sixty four (264) passengers and 20 crews onboard and safely docked her at Port of Lipata, Surigao Del Norte. Furthermore, PCG SAR team assisted the City Government of Surigao in the distribution of food packs to the rescued passengers.

Moreover, CGS Surigao was furnished a copy of Suspension Letter of Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) from MARINA. Same was also issued to the master of MV ‘Maria Oliva”.

M/V “Maria Oliva” is a RoRo Passenger/ Cargo Vessel with 1,411.07 GT, owned and operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc. and skippered by Capt Deo C Ramirez.