Masbate: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued 23 people after a recreational boat began sinking off Sombrero Island in San Pascual, Masbate.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PCG reported that the boat, named Harlyn, was carrying 20 passengers and three crew members when it struck an unidentified hard object approximately one to two nautical miles from the shoreline. The impact caused water to enter the vessel, leaving it partially submerged.
All individuals on board were safely transported to Sombrero Island, where they received temporary shelter. Assistance in the form of food and clothing was provided by the resort management, local residents, and the San Pascual local government through its Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The PCG Mobile Post in San Andres, Quezon, responded to the emergency, traveling approximately 15 nautical miles to reach the affected area. The rescue operation lasted about three hours due to the distance and the limited personnel and equipment available.
Medical personnel attending to the rescued individuals reported that nine people sustained minor scratches while boarding the rescue vessel. They were treated on-site and administered anti-tetanus shots, with all individuals declared to be in stable condition.
The PCG is currently working with local authorities to arrange transportation for the passengers to San Andres, Quezon, once weather conditions improve. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the incident.
