• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A fast craft bound for Iloilo was rescued yesterday after experiencing engine trouble while between the territorial waters of the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo.
Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, Philippine Coast Guard Negros Occidental chief, yesterday said that they received a distress message from Weesam Express 6, about 30 minutes after it departed from the BREDCO Port in Bacolod City.
The fastcraft left BREDCO Port at 11:30 a.m. yesterday, with 172 passengers bound for Iloilo.
Mercurio said they immediately coordinated with a tugboat company to rescue and tow the fastcraft back to BREDCO Port in Bacolod City.
The fastcraft, which was also escorted by a Coast Guard vessel to ensure the safety of its passengers, arrived at the BREDCO Port at about 3:30 p.m. yesterday.
Mercurio said some passengers complained of not feeling well, or experiencing motion sickness, because of the incident.
After the disembarkation of passengers, he said Coast Guard personnel immediately conducted a detailed inspection of Weesam Express 6 vessel, to determine the cause of mechanical trouble and other relevant matters.
Personnel of the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, rescue groups, and PCG Auxiliary, were also mobilized to check the condition of its passengers who arrived at the BREDCO Port in Bacolod City.*
