THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Siargao Island swiftly responded to a reported maritime incident involving a party boat identified as Mbca Siargao Intel that has been distressed due to broken starboard side outrigger at vicinity waters off General Luna, Surigao del Norte on 17 January 2025.
At approximately 500 meters away from Daku Island, PCG Search and Rescue (SAR) Team composed of Coast Guard Sub-Station General Luna and Coast Guard Special Operations Group – Siargao in collaboration with MDRRMO General Luna immediately proceeded to the reported location onboard a Sea Ambulance to conduct search and rescue operation and subsequently take appropriation actions.
Upon arrival, SAR team positively sighted the reported distressed party boat with broken starboard side outrigger wherein they instantly rescued twenty (20) passengers and three (3) crew members onboard. Further, the distressed boat was towed towards the shoreline of Jetty Wharf, Poblacion 1, General Luna, Surigao del Norte to undergo the repair of the outrigger.
Upon safe arrival of boats at the shoreline of Jetty Wharf, all passengers and crew members were assessed by MDRRMO General Luna which appeared to be in good physical health condition without injuries incurred from the incident.
Meanwhile, crew members were brought to Coast Guard Sub-Station General Luna for the conduct of inquiries relative to the incident and determine how the incident transpired.
Investigation revealed from the boat captain identified as Julius Agbay, they departed from Jetty Wharf at about 9:27am of 17 January 2025 for an island hopping bound for Brgy. Anajawan, General Luna, Surigao del Norte which was followed by Brgy. Suyangan of the same municipality as their next destination. At about 3:45pm of same date, they departed Brgy. Suyangan to return back at Jetty Wharf after the island hopping. Unfortunately, they suddenly encountered a rough to very rough sea condition at approximately 500 meters away from Daku Island which continuously battered their boat resulting for the starboard side outrigger to be broken. Thereat, the boat captain decided to stop the engine and sought for rescue assistance.
With the said incident, the Station Commander of Coast Guard Station Siargao Ensign Roy Christopher R Orillaneda PCG urged the boat operators in the Island to be extra vigilant while venturing at sea particularly during the presence of unpredictable weather and unfavorable sea conditions in order to avoid occurrence of similar incidents in the future thereby ensuring the safety of life and property at sea.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the CGS Siargao Facebook Page.
