A team from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday saved a motorboat from sinking between Fuga Island and Dalupiri Island in the Babuyan Islands, Cagayan.

A report from the Coast Guard Detachment in Calayan said the boat Macarra was hit by big waves and started to pitch dangerously when its passengers panicked.

Police Inspector Mario Marragun, officer-in-charge of the Calayan Police Station, said initial reports stated that the Macarra’s  engine stalled while it was on its way to Claveria, Cagayan. Further investigation revealed that “a sudden surge of wave distressed the boat, thereby causing panic among its passengers.”

One of Macarra’s crew said they could have prevented the boat from sinking and continue on their voyage if only the passengers had not panicked. The crewman said that when they could no longer calm down the passengers they sought assistance from the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard personnel, policemen from Calayan station and a volunteer rescue ferry MV Eagle Ferry responded and reached the Macarra after an hour.

The ferry accompanied the boat as it sailed back to Sitio Tugod, Barangay 2 in Calayan. FATIMA CIELO B. CANCEL