Coast Guard Station Calbayog received a cellphone call from a concerned citizen reporting that an unregistered fishing banca capsized at the vicinity waters of Maripipi, Biliran, Leyte on December 25 at 4am.

Immediately, CGS Calbayog established communication with one of the victims onboard the said distressed vessel. 

Mr. Ernesto Ervida, one of the crew onboard informed the PCG that they were already rescued by their relatives at 4:10am of the same day. They safely arrived at Culaba, Biliran, Leyte at 6:30am.

Further inquiry revealed that the unregistered fishing banca of below 3 gross tonnage with 16 crew onboard and loaded with undetermined number of livestocks departed Almagro Island, Calbayog City enroute to Culaba, Biliran Leyte at 1am of December 25.

While transiting at vicinity waters of Maripipi, they suddenly encountered big waves and strong winds causing their fishing banca to capsize. 

All rescued passengers are in good physical condition.