The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Davao Station rescued 19 passengers from the sunken fishing motorized boat in the vicinity water of DBCom in Brgy. Ilang, Davao City on Saturday.
PCG Southeastern Mindanao spokesperson Ensign Winston Gonzales clarified that the motorized boat was not a passenger vessel but a fishing vessel.
Gonzales said the fishing boat was on its way to Sanipaan Beach in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) as requested by the passengers before it met an accident.
Based on the investigation, the fishing boat experienced engine trouble while sailing until it sank due to strong waves.
Gonzales stressed that fishing boats are not allowed to ferry passengers.
He also said that the rescued individuals were brought at the Department of Public Works and Highways 11 (DPWH 11) in Panacan Wharf for medical examinations by the Coast Guard medical teams.
The Davao Central 911, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Bureau of Fire Protection-Davao and Task Force Davao also assisted in the rescue operation.
