World · Philippines Bureau
Coast Guard rescues 58 from capsized ferry off Quezon
The Philippine Coast Guard successfully evacuated all passengers from the MV Virgen de Peñafrancia II after the roll-on/roll-off vessel tilted while approaching port in Real, Quezon early Friday. No casualties were reported in the incident.
LSN Philippines ·
The vessel tilted to its starboard side approximately 10 meters from the port of Real in Barangay Peñafrancia during pre-dawn hours, just as the ship was preparing to dock after completing its voyage from Polillo Island. Coast Guard personnel responded swiftly to emergency distress signals, arriving at the scene to find the 58 passengers and crew members in need of immediate assistance.
All persons aboard were evacuated safely from the distressed vessel without incident. The Philippine Coast Guard coordinated rescue operations from their station in Lucena City, mobilizing response teams to the location off Real, Quezon's coastline.
The MV Virgen de Peñafrancia II serves the inter-island route connecting Polillo Island with the Quezon mainland. The cause of the vessel's listing during its approach to port remains under investigation by Coast Guard authorities. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about maritime safety in Philippine waters and vessel operations at regional ports.