38 passengers rescued after ship runs aground off Siargao
MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-eight passengers of a ship that got stranded off Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte have been rescued, the Philippine Coast Guard said.
The PCG said in an incident report Sunday that its substation in the town of Dapa assisted in rescuing passengers aboard motor vessel Riena Xaviera, which ran aground Saturday, May 27.
“All passengers were in good physical condition when they arrived at the port. Meanwhile, Coast Guard personnel continue to monitor the distressed vessel,” it said.
According to the PCG, MV Riena Xaviera captain Prospero Nillo had explained that the ship’s engine malfunctioned while the vessel was approaching the Port of Dapa.
“Due to the strong winds, it drifted and eventually ran aground,” the PCG said.
LIVE UPDATES: Super Typhoon Mawar
On Saturday, Betty (International name: Mawar), then categorized as a super typhoon, entered the Philippine area of responsibility and the state weather bureau raised a gale warning over several seaboards of the country, including the eastern coast of Surigao del Norte.
RELATED STORIES
PCG rescues 85 passengers from stranded Ro-Ro vessel off Lanao del Norte
Typhoon Betty slightly accelerates, Signal No. 2 up in 3 provinces