63 rescued from sinking boat off Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —At least 53 passengers and 10 crewmembers of MV Siargao Princess were rescued after the vessel stalled in the waters off Sibonga, Cebu yesterday.  

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Capt. Armand Balilo said the 63 were rescued unharmed before the boat sank.

The PCG  deployed boats with rescue and medical teams in the area after receiving a distress call at around 10 a.m., around 30 minutes after the vessel left Loon, Bohol.

Police maritime personnel were also asked to help in rescue operations.

Quoting Antonio Conag, the  captain of the vessel, Balilo said water started to seep in after its hatch cover was detached “due to the pitching of the vessel caused by big swells.”

He said the strong waves “made the vessel to dip to the front before it eventually capsized.” 

PCG-Central Visayas spokesman Michael Encina said Conag was asked to submit a marine protest within 24 hours.

“We are still conducting an investigation to determine what really happened,” Encina said.