PCG: A distressed domestic motor tanker was secured by the Philippine Coast Guard from possible rough seas just before a typhoon hits the country last Sunday, August 16.

M/T Lady Lilibeth encountered engine trouble while traversing the waters 10NM east of Batan Island in Batanes and requested assistance from a nearby vessel M/V Chatanooga.

The distress call was relayed by M/V Chatanooga to the personnel of Coast Guard District North Eastern Luzon (CGDNELZN), while the distressed vessel's charterer Philippine Seaboard Shipping Corporation, called up Coast Guard Station (CGS) Basco seeking for assistance.

Elements of the Philippine Coast Guard were immediately deployed onboard M/V Saver III and proceeded to the location of M/T Lilibeth. It was towed to the anchorage area at Valugan Bay, Batanes to take shelter in anticipation of a typhoon that will enter the Philippine area of responsibility.

M/T Lilibeth's 14 crew members and its skipper Capt. George Corpuz were awaiting the ship technician and the availability of spare parts prior to resuming its voyage.

Meanwhile, M/V Saver III returned to the port of Basco without any untoward incident.