Fourteen rescued after motorbanca breaks down off Ajuy amid rough seas

ILOILO CITY — Fourteen people were safely rescued after their motorbanca became disabled in the waters between Punta Buri Island and Marbuena Island in Ajuy, Iloilo on Saturday, July 11, as strong winds and rough seas brought by the prevailing weather hampered sea travel.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), through Coast Guard Station Iloilo headed by Acting Commander Capt. Jan J. Terazona, said the rescue was carried out by personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Ajuy with the assistance of Bantay Dagat volunteers.

READ: PCG halts small boat trips in Eastern Visayas due to Inday

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Authorities said the Coast Guard received information from a concerned resident about a motorbanca in distress while en route from Punta Buri Island to Barangay Mangorocoro, Ajuy. The vessel was carrying 14 people, including its captain and crew.

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Initial reports showed that the boat encountered turbulent sea conditions during the trip, causing damage to its propeller and leaving it unable to continue sailing.

A deployable response team from CGSS Ajuy was immediately dispatched to the area. The Coast Guard also coordinated with the Ajuy Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), which prepared an ambulance and medical personnel to receive the passengers upon their arrival.

The rescue team successfully brought all 14 occupants safely to the shoreline of Barangay Mangorocoro, where they underwent medical assessment by MDRRMO personnel. Officials said none of the rescued individuals sustained injuries and all were reported to be in good condition.

The Coast Guard renewed its appeal to motorbanca operators, fishermen and sea travelers to avoid venturing into the sea during periods of adverse weather and to closely monitor official weather advisories before sailing.

The incident occurred as rough sea conditions continue to affect parts of the country following the passage of Tropical Storm “Inday” and the enhanced southwest monsoon, prompting authorities to reiterate maritime safety precautions. /jpv

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