Coast Guard rescues 8 crewmembers off Cagayan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rescued eight crewmembers, including three with hypertension, after their motorized boat sank off Calayan town in Cagayan on Saturday.

In a statement, the PCG said that M/B Rose Marie 1 was submerged in the waters of Dalupiri Island. The boat had eight crewmen who were rescued during an operation over the weekend.

Five of the crew were initially transported to Barangay Magsidel and later brought to the Calayan Rural Health Unit where they were declared to be in good physical condition.

Three of the eight crewmen were found to be hypertensive.

An initial probe showed that rough sea conditions and an uncontrolled livestock movement caused the boat to capsize.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) suspended the safety certificate of M/B Rose Marie I and MV Ocean Jet 788 in Bohol.

The Ocean Jet 788 was maneuvering to dock at the Tagbilaran port when it suffered an electrical failure that affected its bridge engine remote control and throttle system, compromising the boat’s maneuverability. 

Loumer Bernabe, in-charge deputy administrator for operations, directed all Marina regional offices to further intensify nationwide compliance monitoring, onboard inspections and enforcement actions.