2 boats collide off Surigao del Sur; tourist Injured

MANILA, Philippines — A tourist was injured when two boats collided in the waters off Surigao del Sur on Friday.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday said the collision involving a tourist boat and a motorized boat could have been caused by miscommunication.

Initial reports said the boats were sailing off the coast of Barangay Consuelo in Cantilan town when they figured in the accident.

Of the 23 people rescued, one suffered minor injuries and was brought to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The rest were found to be in good physical condition.

Among those rescued were 16 passengers, the skippers of each boat and five crewmembers, including one from the tourist boat.

The PCG substation in Cantilan was conducting a coastal security patrol when its members received a distressed call.

The PCG substation immediately launched a search and rescue operation.

The owners of the boats reportedly agreed to settle the matter amicably. Both took responsibility of the incident and vowed to pay for the damage sustained by their vessels as well as the medical expenses of the injured passenger.