• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A fast craft bound for Iloilo was rescued after experiencing engine trouble between the territorial waters of Bacolod and Iloilo cities Tuesday afternoon.
Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, chief of Philippine Coast Guard-Northern Negros Occidental, said that they received a distress message from M/V Weesam Express 6, about 30 minutes after it departed from the Bredco Port in Bacolod City.
The vessel left Bredco Port at 11:30 a.m. with 172 passengers.
Mercurio said they immediately coordinated with a tugboat company to rescue and tow the fastcraft back to Bredco Port.
The fastcraft, which was also escorted by a Coast Guard vessel to ensure the safety of its passengers, arrived at the port at about 3:30 p.m.
Mercurio said that some passengers complained not feeling well, or experiencing motion sickness.
After the disembarkation of passengers, he said Coast Guard personnel immediately conducted a detailed inspection of the vessel to determine the cause of mechanical trouble and other relevant matters.
Personnel of City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, rescue groups, PCG Auxiliary were also mobilized to check the condition of passengers. | GB
