World · Philippines Bureau
Thirty rescued after tourist boat sinks off Eastern Samar island
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that all 30 passengers aboard a tourist vessel were rescued after the boat sank off Manicani Island in Eastern Samar on Sunday. Local fishermen and tugboat crews assisted in the rescue operation.
LSN Philippines ·
Thirty passengers were safely rescued after a tourist boat carrying them from Guiuan to Manicani Island sank off Barangay Buenavista in Eastern Samar on Sunday, Aug. 30, the Philippine Coast Guard reported.
The vessel submerged in waters near the two islands, prompting an immediate response from local maritime authorities and community members. Local fisherfolk were among the first to respond to the incident, working to help evacuate the passengers from the water.
Support vessels MTUG Don Antonio Two and MTUG Joshmar III, both tugboats operating in the area, provided additional assistance during the rescue operation. All 30 passengers were successfully pulled to safety, and no casualties were reported from the incident.
The Philippine Coast Guard did not immediately release details regarding the cause of the sinking or the condition of the vessel. The rescue operation underscores the importance of maritime safety protocols and swift community response in the archipelago's island-hopping regions.