PCG: Nine (9) European tourists and ten (10) local travelers were rescued by the Coast Guard in Coron, Palawan last Saturday, March 21, after the motor boat transporting them to Calawit Island suddenly ran aground a mile off Coron Port. 

The passengers included nine from Canada, Germany, Belgium, France and Switzerland and 10 Filipinos. 

Motor banca Calamian 2, skippered by Ronald dela Cruz, reportedly ran aground while underway.

The personnel of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Coron received a call from a certain Ms Janice Pascual, staff of Calamian Tourist Agency, informing that said boat ran aground and requested for assistance.

Immediately, CGS Coron personnel conducted search and rescue operations onboard Coast Guard aluminum boat-033. The SAR team arrived at the area and safely transferred the passengers going to Lualhati Wharf, Barangay Bancung, Coron, Palawan.

All passengers were rescued in good physical condition and the SAR Team advised the boat captain to file a Marine Protest and to secure a Certificate of Seaworthiness from the Office of MARINA before they can resume their normal operations.