15 dolphin watchers rescued off Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Fifteen tourists and four crewmembers were rescued yesterday from a yacht that developed engine trouble as they were sailing in Albay Gulf to watch dolphins.

Erwin Gregorio, officer of the Bantay-Dagat Sto. Domingo, said Melanie Concepcion, who was on board M/V Oragon, called to be rescued after their vessel’s engine conked out.

Gregorio said the yacht’s engine overheated, causing its pump belt to snap. He said he ordered his men to tow the yacht to their station in Barangay Pandayan, Sto. Domingo town.

He said the first speedboat dispatched to rescue failed to tow the yacht, prompting him to send another motorboat.

Oragon skipper Manuel Gallorda said the yacht’s pump started to malfunction at around 9 a.m. He said they left Legazpi Boulevard in Barangay Puro, Legazpi City at around 8 a.m. to watch dolphins off Sto. Domingo.