Coast Guard Eastern Mindanao spokesman Ensign Winston Gonzales said the fishing boat (3 gross tonnage) was sailing in the waters of Ilang , Davao City going to Island Garden City of Samal at around 11 a.m when in encountered an engine trouble while traversing the strait, which resulted in water ingress.
Gonzales said the vessel capsized due to strong current and large waves.
The Coast Guard’s BRP Malamawi responded quickly after receiving a call from the city’s Public Safety and Security Office informing them of the submerged motor banca and successfully rescued all 19 individuals aboard the sunken fishing boat. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
According to Gonzales, all fishing boats below three gross tonnage are not designated or authorized in any way to carry passengers.
“This banca is not really designed to carry passengers since it is not equipped with necessary safety features based on MARINA policies,” he said.
Gonzales further said fishing bancas of three tonnage and below are not subject for pre-departure inspection by the coast guard.
He said PCG is currently in the process of crafting policy or safety intervention to prevent occurrence of similar incidents and any other maritime accidents.
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