AUTHORITIES saved some 63 passengers and 16 crew members on board a ferry that ran aground to an islet 400 yards away from the Balingoan port in Misamis Oriental, after being buffeted by big waves and strong winds Monday afternoon, July 16.
The Super Shuttle Ferry 1 of Asian Marine Transport Corporation left the Benoni Port in Camiguin past 12 noon bound to Balingoan Port.
The ferry carries 58 adults and five children including six rolling cargoes.
Fernando Dy Jr., Misamis Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head, said the strong winds caused by southwest monsoon buffeted the ferry and stuck at Lapinig island for about three hours.
“Tungod sa kusog nga hangin napadpad ang maong ferry sa Lapinig islet (Pulo) ug na-stuck tungod kay hunas na ang dagat,” Dy said.
Two sister ferries attempted to pull the grounded ferry using a rope but it failed.
Authorities carried out the rescue operation around 5 p.m. and ended at 6:40 p.m. All passengers were safely rescued.
Dy said no untoward incident was recorded during the rescue efforts.
“Ang kusog hangin was caused by southwest monsoon pero wala man sad magdugay mga 30 minutes siguro,” Dy said.
He said the strong winds also prompted schools in Initiao and Kinoguitan towns to suspend classes.