PCG. A passenger/cargo motor banca carrying 28 passengers onboard ran aground at vicinity waters approximately 800 meters Northwest off Cabugan Island, Roxas Palawan on February 12.

Mbca Mark Gabriel 2 departed PPC Fish Port in Brgy. Matahimik, Puerto Princesa City at 9:50AM of February 11 bound to Araceli, Palawan.

While transiting at vicinity waters of Cabugan Island at 5:30AM of February 12, said motor banca accidentally deviated from its pre-set usual track in GPS causing it to run on shallow waters and subsequently ran aground. The vessel also incurred a crack on its portside underwater hull and took in seawater resulting to an engine trouble.

A certain Mr Marlon M Peria, boat captain of Mbca Mark Gabriel 1, appeared to CGSS Roxas and reported the incident on the same day. He further requested for necessary rescue assistance to the aground motor banca and its passengers onboard.

Immediately, CGSS Roxas personnel conducted search and rescue operations onboard Aluminum Boat (AB-067) together with the Mbca Mark Gabriel 1.

The team sighted the aground motor banca, rendered assistance and successfully transferred the 28 passengers to Mbca Mark Gabriel 1 and safely brought them to Port of Roxas in good physical condition. Coast Guard also rendered assistance in transferring the remaining cargoes and in towing Mbca Mark Gabriel 2 to the port.

Mbca Mark Gabriel 2 is now berthed at Roxas Port and is under the custody of MARINA for inspection. The captain of the said motor banca was also advised to file a marine protest relative to the incident.