DOTC-PCG: A total of 82 passengers from a distressed vessel were placed to safety due to the quick response and assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard and three others ships in Monreal, Masbate yesterday, February 10.

The passengers were onboard MV Odyssey and were bound for Pilar, Sorsogon when it encountered engine trouble while transiting the vicinity waters of Tuguron, Monreal.

The ship master immediately reported the incident to Coast Guard Station (CGS) Masbate who then coordinated with the three sister ships of the distressed vessel, namely, MB Phoenex, MB Hammity and MB Gloria Express for the conduct of SAR operations.
Around 4:45 PM of the same day, the SAR team located MV Odyssey and transferred all of its passengers to MB Gloria Express which ferried them safely to Pilar Port.

Meanwhile, MB Phoenex and MB Hammity towed the distressed ship to port.

The Coast Guard personnel advised the master of MV Odyssey to file a Marine Protest relative to the incident.