By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least 132 passengers were rescued after an Iloilo-bound fastcraft vessel broke down just outside the Bredco Port in Bacolod City yesterday afternoon.

Philippine Coast Guard-Bacolod station chief, Commander Ludovico Librilla, said the vessel, the M/V St. Emmanuel, which is operated by ferry company Supercat, departed Bacolod port at 12:20 p.m. However, after traveling seven nautical miles (nearly 13 kilometers), the vessel suffered a leak in its hydraulic pumps causing the crew to lose steering abilities, prompting the captain to stop the vessel.

Librilla said the vessel spent the next two hours floating off the coast of Bacolod City as available tugboats were unable to respond immediately due to rough sea conditions.

The vessel was later towed back to Bacolod City and safely docked just after 4:00 p.m.

Following the incident, some passengers expressed frustration at Coast Guard personnel. Librilla explained, tugboats were also exercising caution due to rough waves.

One of the passengers asked why the Coast Guard station in Bacolod City does not have their own tugboats or response vessels.

They also noted some passengers suffered sea sickness during the ordeal.

No one was hurt in the incident and the ferry company agreed to refund tickets for the affected passengers or assist them in booking the next available trip./DGB, WDJ