12 rescued off Lapu-Lapu

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued all 12 passengers and crewmen of a motorized banca that capsized off Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu early yesterday morning.

In a statement, the PCG said M/Bca Green Island sank in the vicinity of Marigondon and Caohagan Islet off Olango, Lapu-Lapu City at around 12:45 a.m. yesterday. 

PO1 Jhon Silmaro of the Lapu-Lapu City tourist police informed the PCG-Cebu station about the mishap at around 2:37 a.m. and the PCG promptly acted on the report, dispatching the Special Operations Unit Cebu and BRP (SARV-3504) to conduct a search and rescue operation.

The motorized banca, the PCG said, left Mar Beach in Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City at around 10:40 p.m. Saturday en route to Caohagan Islet in Olango, but it encountered big waves, causing it to capsize.