PCG: Eight domestic seamen were rescued last Wednesday by the Coast Guard from a distressed motor launch in Bataraza, Palawan.

ML Azriel's rudder reportedly detached from its shaft while transiting the vicinity waters of Rio Tuba, Palawan.

The motor boat was loaded with 200 bags of cement, 100 pieces of steel bars, a motorcycle and various cargoes when the incident occurred.

Meanwhile, a certain Anna Marie Bautista, resident of Balabac, Palawan, informed the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Rio Tuba that ML Azriel was in distress between Pirates and Ursula Island.

The elements of CGSS Rio Tuba, together with its Search and Rescue (SAR) team, immediately proceeded to the area and sighted ML Azriel approximately 8 NM south east off Brgy. Rio Tuba, Palawan. 

The boat with its eight crew was towed to Sitio Marabahay Pier, Brgy. Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan.

ML Azriel departed Puerto Princesa City enroute to Balabac Island when the incident occurred.

The following crew are now in safe condition:

Mark Alano , 24 years old

Nito Lanacero, 48 years old

Rosmin Salaysay, 20 years old

Bernard Aborot, 25 years old

Andro Pungyan, 28 years old

Rogel Calopez, 47 years old

Laurence Royal 39 years old and

Nonoy Bautista , 45 years old