BACOLOD City – At least 53 passengers and crew of a Bacolod City-bound fast craft were rescued after the vessel broke down in the vicinity waters of Bredco port in this city on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 7.
Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Bredco sub-station commander, Chief Petty Officer Louie Campaner, said the M/V City of General Santos, operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines, originated from Iloilo City and broke down approximately 1.1 nautical miles from Bredco port around 1:45 p.m.
Campaner said the vessel’s starboard engine shaft suffered a breakdown, prompting the captain to shut down the engine and call the PCG for assistance.
Tugboat M/Tug Sadr was dispatched to assist the troubled vessel and towed it successfully to the Simplicio Palanca Sea Terminal at the Bredco port.
Campaner said no one was hurt from the incident, adding that five PCG personnel, who were also onboard and traveling to Bacolod City at the time, assisted the crew and assured the passengers’ safety.
As of this writing, the vessel was temporarily barred from leaving the port until it has secured a certificate of seaworthiness from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
To recall, an Iloilo City-bound M/V Weesam Express 6 also suffered a breakdown off the Guimaras Strait on Nov. 21. Its rudder malfunctioned, causing the vessel to lose steering.
The fast craft, carrying 172 passengers and 19 crew members, was successfully rescued and towed back to Bredco port. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
