Boat capsizes in Surigao

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday rescued 37 passengers of a motorized boat that capsized off Surigao City in Surigao del Norte province last Monday afternoon.

In a statement, PCG spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Algier Ricafrente said PCG station personnel in Surigao, the Navy ship BRP Felix Apolinario and passing boats helped in rescuing the passengers of M/B Venjun II.

The vessel reportedly left the port of Surigao and was on its way to Basilisa, Dinagat Province.

The PCG station in Surigao received a distress call that M/B Venjun II hit an unidentified hard object, which punctured its hull.