THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Central Visayas rescued a motor barge two days after its anchor was dragged off the coast of Sibulan, Negros Oriental Tuesday, November 26, 2019.
On Friday morning, November 29, BRP Suluan, the PCG’s rescue vessel, towed safely Motor Barge Tamban at the Dapitan Bay in Zamboanga del Norte.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Michael John Encina, PCG-Central Visayas spokesperson, said their initial investigation revealed that the motor barge docked at the port of Sibulan in Negros Oriental around 7:30 p.m. of November 26.
Their anchor, however, was dragged due to strong sea current.
“The barge was drifting for almost two days when they were able to call PCG for help at around 2 a.m. of November 28, Thursday,” Encina said.
BRP Suluan, which was docked in Cagayan de Oro, immediately proceeded to the area, which was approximately 120 nautical miles away from where the stranded motor barge was.
It was able to make its first contact around 6: 30 a.m. of the same day.
“120 NM is almost equivalent to 200 km. Initially, hindi abot sa radio nila yung PCG 7,” Encina added.
The barge's four crew members were safely rescued and were given medical attention while its cargo were secured, he added. (SunStar Cebu)