PCG: 12 passengers were successfully saved by the joint rescue team of the Philippine Coast Guard and the PCG Auxiliary in Batan, Aklan last Friday, June 24.

The survivors were thrown into sea when the motorboat transporting them from Batan to New Washington, Anklan suddenly lost her stability and capsized.

The incident was reported by a concerned citizen to Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Dumaguit, disclosing that the unnamed boat capsized between the vicinity waters of Brgy. Ochando, New Washington and Brgy. Songculan, Batan.

CGSS Dumaguit immediately deployed its rescue team and saved three from passengers identified as Jonathan Aquino, 20; Zaldy Pitilan, 21; and Noel Chavez, 20.

Meanwhile Coast Guard Station (CGS) Caticlan deployed its Special Operations Unit in Boracay Island to join the rescue operations along with 611th PCGA Squadron, PDRRMC-Aklan, PNP and New Washington barangay officials.

The joint rescue team sighted nine others clinging on the capsized motorboat 15 nautical miles from the shoreline of Brgy. Ochando.

They were identified as Michael Mesina, 40; Luceto Vicente, 43; Abner Dela Cruz, 53; Jomel Vicente, 28; Rowen Parman, 35; Alfred Dela Cruz, 32; Florante Parman, 27; Jeffril Albacilo, 20; and Jason Jimenez, 24.

All of the rescued passengers are residents of Ochando, New Washington, Aklan and were found to be in good physical condition. The capsized boat was towed to the shoreline of Brgy. Ochando.