Philippine Coast Guard, partners rescue ten people from capsized boat off Albay province

The Philippine Coast Guard and other local agencies have deployed in response to an incident wherein a boat with 10 people on board capsized off Albay province on Saturday, July 24.

The banca-type outrigger boat Island Breeze was sailing for Claveria Island in nearby Masbate province when it encountered rough seas approximately 250 metres from the Pio Duran Port anchorage at around 07:45 local time on Saturday.

Coast guard personnel along with personnel from the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Ports Authority, and other agencies were sent to the area to conduct search and rescue (SAR) operations.

The coast guard said the strong wind and current subsequently brought Island Breeze and its occupants closer to shore, allowing the SAR team to easily secure a towing line for pulling the capsized boat further inland.

The ten castaways were pulled out of the water without injury. The boat was meanwhile towed to port and was later handed over to its owner for proper disposition.

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