A total of 15 Chinese nationals were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) after their vessel conked out in waters off Buenavista amid the onslaught of Tropical Depression “Basyang” on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Ensign Nygel Khan Pia, deputy commander of PCG-Tagbilaran, they received a call from Ethel Mante of the Chinese Consulate in Cebu notifying them that the boat carrying the Chinese nationals went missing.
The foreigners chartered a motorized banca and left Getafe for Cebu at past 2 p.m. despite the suspension of sea travel in the region, the PCG was told.
Pia in turn alerted PCG Talibon which immediately launched a search operation.
The search team later during the day located the foreigners in Cabul-an Island off mainland Buenavista.
Authorities found out that the boat encountered engine failure while heading for Cebu, prompting crew members to moor the vessel at the island.
No one was injured during the incident.
Pia said that the PCG will be launching an investigation on the incident citing the possibility of complaints being filed against the boat’s operator.
“Lumayag na walang pahintulot dahil bawal ang lumayag ngayon dahil sa bagyo,” Pia added.
The incident happened while the tropical depression was traversing the Bohol Sea south of the province.
Storm Signal Number 1 was hoisted over the entire province and sea travel was suspended. (A. Doydora)