SEVEN individuals, including a boat captain, were successfully rescued after their motorboat submerged in the waters off Km. 10, Barangay Sasa, on Wednesday afternoon, August 5.
The rescue operation was executed through the joint efforts of the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), Coast Guard Station Island Garden City of Samal (CGS IGACOS), and the crew of a commercial passenger vessel.
According to a report from CGDSEM, the distressed motorbanca encountered strong winds and rough sea currents while conducting a sea trial, causing the vessel to take on water and submerge.
The crew of MV Maewess 4, along with deployed Coast Guard Sea Marshals onboard, spotted the victims struggling in the open water while the ferry was en route to Samal Island.
Responders immediately pulled all seven passengers to safety and transported them to Maewess Port for emergency first aid.
CGS IGACOS personnel coordinated with the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and local health authorities to evaluate the victims.
Two of the rescued individuals who suffered minor injuries were brought to the Davao del Norte-IGACOS Zone Hospital for further treatment and medical evaluation.
Meanwhile, the submerged motorcycle was secured off the coast of Barangay Caliclic in IGACOS for technical assessment prior to its release to the owner.
Following the incident, the PCG reminded all vessel operators and fishermen to inspect vessel seaworthiness, evaluate weather conditions, and prioritize maritime safety protocols before embarking on sea trials or routine voyages.
