Not properly anchored: Capitol rescue boat sinks off South Road Properties

CEBU, Philippines — A speedboat of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) sank in Talisay City last Saturday.

The white boat was half submerged after seawater entered it. No one was aboard when the incident happened.

PDRRMO Head Baltazar Tribunalo said the Talisay City borrowed two speedboats to supposedly accompany the fluvial procession of St. Teresa de Avila. The procession was cancelled due to the unfavorable weather, particularly the big waves.

He said that while the other boat did not experience problems when anchored, the second boat had a shorter rope than what was needed.

This resulted to the portside where the anchor was dropped to list and take in water when the tide rose and the waves rolled higher than usual.

While the boat did not sink, it got partially filled with water and listed to the left when found the next day.

Tribunalo said they had to put off the salvaging of the boat until later because the weather condition was not yet favorable.

He said the incident happened because the one who anchored the boat did not check if the enough rope allowance was given prior to anchorage.

The boat was retrieved last Sunday. Upon inspection, there was only a crack on its left side.

"Ang damage kay sa left side. Fiber glass man to so mailisan ra," Tribunalo said.

As for the repairs, the province and the City of Talisay will still discuss which government unit would shoulder the expense. (FREEMAN)