Another motorbanca in distress later on identified as Mbca Retreat – 1 was immediately responded by Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte thru Coast Guard Sub-Station Socorro at vicinity waters off Socorro, Surigao del Norte which fortunately rescued 15 passengers and 3 crew members last 25 July 2021.
Accordingly, Coast Guard Sub-Station Socorro received information that a certain motorbanca allegedly loose its rudder at vicinity waters off Bucas Grande Island and yielding for rescue assistance.
Upon the urgent directive of CG CDR. ELAINE R. PANGILINAN the Station Commander of Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte, Coast Guard Sub-Station Socorro immediately proceeded to the reported location to conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) Operation.
On the course of SAR operation, SAR Team fortunately sighted the distressed motorbanca and subsequently assessed the passengers and crew members who were all declared in good physical health condition.
Thereafter, SAR team assisted and towed the motorbanca enroute to Feeder Port, Socorro, Surigao del Norte for the conduct of inquiries relative to the incident.
Inquiries revealed that Mbca Retreat – 1 departed from Tiktikan Resort at Brgy. Sudlon, Socorro, Surigao del Norte bound for General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte carrying 15 passengers and 3 crew members including the Master. While transiting at vicinity waters 1NM away East of Brgy. Navarro, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, the propeller shaft of Mbca Retreat – 1 accidentally broken and suddenly fell into the seawater which triggered the Master to stop the engine to prevent any untoward incident. Thereafter, the motorbanca was then drifted approximately 500 meters away from the present location due to strong winds and current while waiting for rescue assistance.
CG CDR. PANGILINAN urged the Mariners to be vigilant and not to venture at sea particularly during unfavorable weather and sea condition to avoid loss of life and property at sea.
(Source: CoastGuard Surigao del Norte Facebook account)