20 rescued after 2 boats almost capsized in Calayan, Cagayan waters

Cagayan, Philippines – Some 20 individuals were rescued after the boats they were on nearly capsized in the waters of Calayan town on Wednesday, July 13.

The passengers, according to Radyo Pilipinas Tuguegarao, include students, senior citizens and a mother along with her eight-year-old child.

Each of the boat was ferrying 9 passengers supposedly traveling to Claveria when the incident happened.

Joe Robert Arirao, a barangay official who was on board on one of the boats, said they departed Calayan Island 5 AM of July 13 to Claveria when in the middle of their voyage, they came across strong winds, heavy rains and big waves.

Water swamped and entered on one of the boats forcing them to go back to the shoreline of Calayan, but the boats were burdened by the accumulated water and began to sink.

To prevent the boat from sinking, the male passengers got off the boat and held on to the boat’s rigger. The other boat which attempted to help them was also swamp with water.

During that time, the barangay official was able to make a quick call for help, and concerned offices of the Calayan town immediately responded.

The Search and Rescue team of the Calayan LGU, barangay LGU of Dadao and the member of Philippine Coast Guard – Calayan arrived on time securing the safety of the passengers, said the barangay official.

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard took charge pulling the boats to the shoreline, while the passengers were transferred to larger boats – MB Rosario and MB-LA.

Some passengers said they lost some of their belongings and cash in the incident, but are grateful there was no casualty.

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