Navy rescues 6, including minors, from sinking boat off Palawan

Six passengers, including two minors and a pregnant woman, were rescued by the Philippine Navy after their motor banca experienced engine problems over the waters off Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Based on the initial investigation, the passengers were en route to Rita Island from Barangay Macarascas for a summer activity on Easter Sunday, April 9 when their motorized vessel malfunctioned due to engine failure.

The Navy said the motorbanca was inoperable and was taking on water due to rough seas when they were found by the crew of BRP Andres Bonifacio at around 11 a.m. while conducting ship-to-shore activities in the area.

"Hinampas-hampas ng alon kaya po napuno 'yung bangka ng tubig," Western Command information officer Commander Ariel Coloma told GMA Integrated News' Marisol Abdurahman in her report on 24 Oras.

"The rescue was done very swiftly, ma'am...'yung alon kasi, for small boats like rubber boats, medyo unforgiving siya," he added.

A rescue team was immediately deployed to assist the distressed passengers of the sinking banca. After their rescue, the boat was towed to Barangay Macaracas while the saved individuals were subject to medical check-ups before they were turned over to their local barangay. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA Integrated News