Bohol-bound vessel stranded for over 4 hours

CEBU, Philippines - A passenger vessel heading for Tubigon, Bohol yesterday morning was stranded off Lawis Point south of Cebu City for almost five hours when the radar that enables its steering wheel to move reportedly encountered a problem.

Lt. Michell Ursabia, spokesperson of the Coast Guard in Cebu, told The FREEMAN the Island Express 1 left Pier 3 at 8:30 am and the its steering wheel reportedly stopped moving around 10:30 am. 

The vessel was carrying 101 adult passengers, nine children, two infants, and 19 crew members.

At 3pm, Island Express’ sister vessel, the M/V Island Express 3, responded to the incident and dragged the Island Express safely back to Pier 3 where it remains anchored while waiting for a go signal from Marina to sail again.

Ursabia pointed out that typhoon Ondoy triggered slightly rough waves yesterday but the incident reportedly had nothing to do with the weather condition.

Nobody hurt or injured during the incident. — Niña G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)