PCG: A total of 82 passengers onboard a distressed motor boat in Surigao del Norte were successfully rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard.

Initial investigation revealed that M/Bca Amelia II encountered inclement weather while enroute to Dinagat Island around 1:15 PM last Tuesday, February 25. As the boat began to take on water and further encountered engine trouble, its skipper Jimmy Estobo strived to evacuate his passengers to the nearest shore of Barangay Panumbuyon in Hidkop Island.

On the same day, the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Surigao received a report from PO2 Dave Kenneth Espina Plaza of the PNP-Provincial Public Safety Company (PNP-PPSC) that M/Bca Amelia II was in distress at the said vicinity.

According to PO2 Plaza, his aunt Menchou Bacol informed him of the incident. It was likewise reported by the Police Provincial Office (PPO) and the Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force.

Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) San Jose Commander, PO1 Dionesio B Millan PCG, together with his rescue team, immediately responded to the incident and conducted a rescue operations for the 82 passengers.

The Coast Guard Rescue team subsequently arrived safely at the Port of Dinagat, Dinagat Province together with the rescued passengers, who were all in safe condition.

CGS Surigao personnel then advised the owner and operator of the said motorbanca to file Marine protest. Likewise, said sub-station made a formal letter to MARINA requesting for the immediate cancellation/suspension of her issued Passenger Ships Safety Certificate (PSSC).

Mbca Amelia II, with 29.90 GT/ 18.82 NT, is owned and operated by Palermo E Lisondra with business address at Dinagat Island, Surigao Del Norte.