BORACAY – Six persons were rescued from a distressed fishing motorboat in the waters off Barangay Hibong, Nabas, Aklan.
According to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the fishing banca “Denmar” carrying six passengers submerged while they were at the vicinity waters off Barangay Hibong around 5:20 on May 22.
PCG said the vessel was prevented from submerging when watercrafts from Boracay resort owners and boat operators – Mbca Medalia Milagrosa, Speedboat Stingray, Speedboat White Sand and Speedboat Diamond – quickly responded to the victims.
The rescued passengers were identified as 32-year-old Demar Hernandez, 38-year-old Heronimo, 16-year-old Michelle Heronimo, 19-year-old Mie Bartolome, 9-year-old Kattlyn Heronimo, and 6-year-old Aeron Heronimo – all residents of Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
According to initial investigation, the motorized banca was en route to Piodoran, Albay for vacation when they encountered big waves causing the fishing vessel to half-submerged.
Demar managed to make a call to his sister-in-law for assistance where the latter sought help from the PCG.
They were later brought to Jetty Port in Caticlan. No one was reported hurt.
The Coast Guard meanwhile reminded the public not to venture during inclement weather and utilized only authorized motorboat as ordered by Maritime Industry Authority. (With a report from PCG/PN)
