Distressed vessel’s captain, chief mate rescued

MANILA, Philippines — The captain and chief officer of a vessel that ran aground in the waters off Zambales on July 2 have been rescued, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said yesterday.

Captain Alan Boyboy and C/M Felix Gepillano Jr. were rescued on Sunday afternoon from their vessel LCT Aviva 80.

PCG personnel and police officers first rescued the 22 crewmembers of the Aviva 80 shortly after the vessel ran aground in the waters of Barangay Bani, Masinloc.

The crewmembers were transferred to a life raft and taken to the rural health unit of Masinloc, where they underwent medical checkup.

All crewmembers were found to be in good condition.

Boyboy and Gepillano did not go with the crewmembers and decided to stay on board the distressed Aviva 80.

The PCG and police team returned to the accident site the next day to rescue Boyboy and Gepillano as well as the vessel.

As of yesterday afternoon, the PCG said there were no signs of oil spill in the area where the accident occurred.

The Aviva 80 encountered strong winds and big waves, causing it to be washed ashore, the PCG said.