PCG: A total of 27 passengers and crew were rescued by the joint team of Coast Guards in Aparri and Camiguin last Sunday, October 19, from a sunken motorbanca 12 NM off Camiguin Island, Cagayan.

Reports received by personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Camiguin revealed that a certain Crispiniano Tugade reported that Motorboat (MB) Angelica sunk at vicinity waters of Babuyan Channel while underway from Aparri, Cagayan.

Subsequently, said sub-station informed Coast Guard Station (CGS) Aparri regarding the incident and immediately conducted search and rescue operations.

CGS Aparri Response Group with Special Operations Unit-Northeastern Luzon also proceeded to the incident area to conduct same operations.

Rescue teams arrived in the area and immediately transferred all 21 passengers and six crew of the ill-fated motorbanca to MB Emirates Star.

Investigation revealed that the starboard bow of MB Angelica was damaged due to strong sprays of sea water causing said motorbanca to sink.

The CGSS Camiguin rescue team escorted the MB Emirates Star enroute to Camiguin to secure the passengers who were all in good physical condition.