13 rescued from distressed boat off Quezon

MANILA, Philippines — Thirteen people were rescued after their boat developed engine trouble as it was sailing in the waters off Polillo Island in Quezon province yesterday.

The M/B Rheanne Mae was headed to Polillo from Panulukan town when it was battered by strong winds and waves near Barangay Tamulaya-Anibong, according to the Philipine Coast Guard (PCG).

One of the crewmembers contacted the Panukulan disaster management office, which called its counterpart in Polillo and the PCG.

An hour later, teams from the PCG, Panulukan and Polillo disaster management offices arrived at the scene of the incident and rescued the passengers as well as the crewmembers.

The passengers and the crewmembers were brought to the port of Polillo, where they were given medical attention.

No one was reported killed or injured in the incident.

Panukulan disaster management office chief Jeremie Erracho said the strong winds and waves were spawned by a shear line.

State weather forecasters earlier issued a gale warning over northern Quezon, prompting the PCG to prohibit small sea vessels from venturing into the waters from Pollillo Island to Real town since Sunday.

The passengers reportedly hired the Rheanne Mae to ferry them to Polillo from Panukulan.