BOTOLAN, Zambales — Nine crewmembers of a Philippine-flagged tugboat were rescued off the coast of Barangay Bangan in this town after their vessel ran aground amid stormy weather on Friday, August 14.

Reports from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said the crewmen were taken off the tugboat SL SUAL 1 by the Botolan Response Team, with the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local fishermen from Barangay Porac.

The 31.5-meter-long SL SUAL 1, initial investigation showed, had developed a hole in its hull, forcing its master to intentionally ground it in shallow waters near the Bucao River to prevent sinking.

The vessel was already listing to one side when rescuers arrived after the crewmen radioed for help.

SL SUAL 1, reportedly owned by San Miguel Corporation subsidiary SMC Shipping and Lighterage Corp., had departed anchorage in Bani, Masinloc, Zambales early Friday to assist another vessel, the PCG said.

MDRRMO head Andy Divino said the crewmen were safely brought to the shore and were found to be in stable physical condition after the rescue.

Divino also advised fisherfolk in the vicinity not to go out at sea during stormy weather due to the strong waves in the area. – Taktikom News & Features