10 Guimaras-bound passengers rescued after sea mishap

10 Guimaras-bound passengers rescued after sea mishap
Nanette Guadalquiver May 11, 2022 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1174238

BACOLOD CITY – All 10 passengers of a Guimaras-bound unlicensed motorboat traveling from southern Negros Occidental were rescued after the vessel capsized on Wednesday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, head of Coast Guard Station-Northern Negros Occidental, said the boat came from Valladolid town and encountered a mishap off Inampulugan Island in Sibunag, Guimaras.

“Personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station in Hinigaran and Sibunag responded and when they reached the area, the passengers were already being rescued by crew of nearby fishing boats,” he added.

Mercurio said the rescued passengers were brought by the Coast Guard back to Negros Occidental while the motorboat was towed towards Guimaras.

Years before, boat trips were plying the route but the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) no longer renewed its Certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs) after the agency began to phase out the use of wooden-hulled passenger-carrying vessels.

“In short, there are no passenger trips in the area. The trip was not legal or unauthorized,” he said.

Mercurio said it has become a perennial problem in local sea travel that some people board boats not using the designated ports of entry for convenience and as a result, they compromise their safety. (PNA)