ILOILO CITY, Sept. 19 (PNA) — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Caticlan and Boracay sub-stations have rescued five people that included an Australian national aboard the motor banca which capsized in mid sea between Boracay and mainland Malay, Aklan.
PO1st Condrito Alvarez of PCG-Caticlan said they have received a call from a concerned citizen who saw the capsized motor banca Island Mariner 4.
Personnel of PCG-Boracay and Caticlan substations immediately responded to the area and rescued the beleaguered passengers of the ill-fated motorbanca identified as Richard Allan, 51, and an Australian national whose name was not readily made available and his Filipina partner identified as Jenelyn Lobo, 21.
Also rescued was the boat captain Richard Timbas, 34, and his two crew members identified as Andy Garcia and Sammy Holis, all residents of Boracay Island.
The PCG authorities said the disaster happened after big waves accompanied by gusty winds whipped the motorbanca carrying the victims, causing the sea-going vessel to capsize in mid sea some 100 meters away from the shoreline off mainland Malay, Aklan.
The PCG said the Island Mariner 4 skippered by Timbas left Tabon Port this morning on its way to Tambisan Port in Boracay Island when the disaster happened as an aftermath effect of Typhoon Mario lashing out the country.
Meanwhile, the rescued passengers were declared in safe condition.
The Australian national and his companion were on vacation to the island resort of Boracay when the fateful incident happened. (PNA)