PCG: A total of 71 passengers were put into safety by the joint personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station(CGSS) Mandaue and Special Operations Unit-Central Visayas (SOU-CV) from an agrounded vessel at the vicinity waters of Barangay Kalawisan, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu last Thursday, October 23.

Reports disclosed that personnel of Coast Guard District Central Visayas (CGDCV) received information thru VHF radio broadcast revealing that passenger motorboat MB River Bus III ran aground while transiting Barangay Kalawisan due to big waves and strong wind.

Said vessel departed Pier 3, Cebu City and bound to Muelle Pier in Lapu-Lapu City.

Immediately rescue team onboard AB-082 and M/bca Segundo Uno, conducted search and rescue operations to the distressed motor banca. They transferred all passengers who were all in good physical condition to M/bca Segundo Uno and ferried them safely to Muelle Pier.

CGS Cebu advised the master of MB River Bus III to secure a Certificate of Seaworthiness from maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) prior its normal operation.

MB River Bus III with 19.3 GT/ 13.12 NT is owned and operated by Metro Ferry Incorporated and skippered by Mr Ruel Ucab.