LUCENA CITY: An infant and 31 other passengers were rescued after their boat partially submerged in the waters off Calatagan, Batangas, on Thursday (March 19).
In a belated report, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-District Southern Tagalog said the fishing boat FBCA Prince 2, carrying 32 passengers, was en route from Balayan to Calatagan for a swimming trip.
At around 1:05pm, the vessel nearly sank after being battered by strong waves near Barangay Punta.
Coast Guard personnel from Balayan and Calatagan immediately launched a search and rescue operation upon receiving distress calls.
Fourteen passengers were initially rescued by a passing fishing boat and brought to Barangay Baha in Calatagan. They were later transported back to Balayan aboard a privately owned motorboat.
The remaining 18 passengers were found about 800m off Barangay Baha and were rescued by PCG responders, who brought them to their station in Balayan.
All 32 passengers — including one infant, 20 children, and 11 adults — were declared safe by medical authorities. The distressed vessel was towed to port about four hours after the incident.
The report said the PCG station in Balayan issued an Enforcement Inspection Apprehension Report against the boat operator for several violations, including unauthorised use of the vessel for recreational activities, departure without Coast Guard clearance, and failure to submit a declaration of safe departure.
Authorities also cited alleged connivance between the boat owner and skipper.
The PCG reminded the public to avoid boarding vessels not authorized to carry passengers or used for recreational trips to prevent sea mishaps. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
