Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao chief of staff commander Angela Tobias identified the foreigners as Nathan Snyder and Sarra Costello.
Tobias said the district received a report around 10 a.m of same day that a Pleasure Yacht Apkallu set sail from Indonesia to Davao City but unfortunately encountered unexpected engine trouble during the journey at approximately 8.8 nautical miles west southwest of Surup, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
PCG swiftly responded to the distress call, deploying a vessel and conducted search and rescue operations.
The BRP Panglao manned by Captain George Maganto with his 14 crew successfully completed a mission to tow a stranded yacht navigating from Indonesia to Davao City for customs and immigration clearances.
PCG reported that the said rescue vessel navigated challenging sea conditions to reach the location of the stranded yacht. The towing operation commenced promptly, ensuring the safety of both the vessel and its passengers.
Both passengers are physically in good condition after they were checked by coast guard medical teams.
PCG SEM commodore Rejard Marfe thanked the unified efforts in the successful search and rescue, including towing operations.
“This collective effort not only increases the likelihood of success in rescue missions but also upholds humanitarian values, showcasing the importance of working together to save lives and properties at sea,” Marfe said.
Photo from PCG