Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Sub-Station Del Carmen responded to a maritime incident involving 27 passengers and crew of a distressed motorbanca at the vicinity waters off Bucas Grande Island, Surigao Del Norte yesterday, 18 February 2021.

While plying from the Port of Surigao City going to the Port of Del Carmen, the motorbanca encountered a huge log floating on the water that caused a hole on its secondary hull.

The captain maneuvered the motorbanca to take shelter at Sta. Cruz, Surigao Del Norte, approximately 27 nautical miles away from the distressed area while waiting for rescue assistance.

A total of 19 passengers and eight crewmembers were successfully assisted and were brought to the Port of Del Carmen in good physical condition.