DOTC-PCG: The personnel of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Coron have successfully rescued a total of 14 passengers, six of whom were children, onboard a motorbanca which conked out at the vicinity waters of Marili, Coron, Palawan last December 28.

Reports received around 8:45 PM of the said date revealed that a certain Mrs. Cynthia Balilo, owner of Mbca Choks, appeared at the CGS Coron seeking for assistance to rescue her boat at said vicinity.

Immediately, said station organized a search and rescue (SAR) operations with CG K-9 Coron and Marine Environmental Protection (MEPU)-Coron personnel and departed onboard M/Bca Ezyl to rescue said passengers.

At 10:25 PM, the SAR team arrived at the vicinity waters of Tampel Pass where Mbca Choks was found and successfully rescued the following passengers:

1. Jun Martin, 48 years old;
2. Carol Martin, 48 years old;
3. Jeff Martin, 21 years old;
4. Jonathan Martin, 19 years old;
5. Marie Martin, 15 years old;
6. Erwin Ramos, 42 years old;
7. Marissa Ramos, 42 years old;
8. Kyra Ramos, 14 years old;
9. Gio Ramos, 11 years old;
10. Jason Virtucio, 20 years old;
11. Michael Virtucio, 19 years old;
12. Patricia Virtucio, 15 years old;
13. Renzo Virtucio, 13 years old
14. Gabriel Virtucio, 9 years old.

The skipper revealed that Mbca Choks departed Malcapuya Island, Coron, Palawan at 5:05 PM of the same date to proceed back to Coron, Palawan town proper. While underway at the vicinity of Tampel Pass, the motorbanca encountered engine trouble. The skipper then decided to drop anchor to prevent the boat from drifting away due to strong winds prevailing in the area.

The SAR Team ferried the 14 rescued passengers to Lualhati Loading Area and arrived safely at 11:55 PM.

Meanwhile, distressed Mbca Choks was towed by Mbca Four M and arrived at Lualhati Wharf at 12:30 AM on December 29.

Mbca Choks is skippered by Carlo Bacus, 38 years old of Brgy. Poblacion 2, Coron, Palawan.