• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Coast Guard yesterday rescued 53 passengers and crew members of a fastcraft, originating from Iloilo, after it suffered engine malfunction about 1.1 nautical miles from Bredco port in Bacolod City.
Chief Petty Officer Louie Campaner, commander of Coast Guard Sub-Station Bacolod, said the M/V City of General Santos, operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines, suffered a breakdown of the starboard engine shaft at around 1:45 p.m., prompting its captain to call for assistance from the Coast Guard.
Campaner said tugboat M/Tug Sadr was dispatched to assist the troubled vessel and towed it towards the Simplicio Palanca Sea Terminal.
He said that five Coast Guard personnel, who were among the passengers, assisted the other passengers and crew members.
Campaner said the vessel is temporarily barred from leaving port until they have secured a certificate of sea worthiness from the Maritime Industry Authority.
On Nov. 21, M/V Weesam Express 6, while on its way to Iloilo City, also suffered a breakdown of its rudder causing the vessel to lose steering.
The fastcraft was safely towed back to Bacolod City, although several passengers suffered minor sea sickness as the vessel spent some time floating in the Guimaras Strait. | GB
