53 passengers rescued; Bacolod-bound fastcraft breaks down near Bredco Port 

Posted by watchmen
December 8, 2023
Posted in HEADLINE
Personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard provided assistance to at least 53 passengers of a Bacolod City-bound fastcraft after it broke down in the vicinity waters of Bredco Port yesterday, December 7, 2023. (PCGA 618th Squadron photo)
Personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard provided assistance to at least 53 passengers of a Bacolod City-bound fastcraft after it broke down in the vicinity waters of Bredco Port yesterday, December 7, 2023. (PCGA 618th Squadron photo)

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least 53 passengers of a Bacolod City-bound fastcraft were rescued after the vessel broke down in the vicinity waters of Bredco Port in the city yesterday afternoon.

Chief Petty Officer Louie Campaner, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Bredco Port substation commander, said the M/V City of General Santos, operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines, from Iloilo City, broke down approximately 1.1 nautical miles from the port at 1:45 p.m.

Campaner said the fastcraft suffered a breakdown of its starboard engine shaft, prompting the vessel’s captain to shut down the engine.

The vessel crew sought assistance from the PCG.

A dispatched tugboat, M/Tug Sadr, rescued and towed the troubled vessel to the Simplicio Palanca Sea Terminal at around 2:30 p.m.

Campaner said five PCG personnel, who were onboard the vessel, assisted the crew and assured the passengers’ safety.

No one was hurt in the incident.

He added that the vessel is temporarily barred from leaving the port until they have secured a certificate of seaworthiness from the Maritime Industry Authority.

The PCG is now investigating the cause of the vessel’s mechanical failure.

In November, a fastcraft vessel, M/V Weesam Express 6, suffered a breakdown of its rudder, causing the vessel to lose steering.

The vessel was also safely towed back to Bacolod, but several passengers suffered minor sea sickness as the vessel spent some time floating in the Guimaras Strait./DGB, WDJ

 

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