4 rescued from distressed boat

MANILA, Philippines — Four Norwegians were rescued after their boat developed engine trouble as they were sailing in the waters off Virac in Catanduanes over the weekend.

The Philippine Coast Guard said the PCG station in Catanduanes received a distress call from the Norwegians, who said they were stranded in Cabugao Bay on board the SY Nora Simrad.

The PCG said that communication was not steady, and visibility in the area  where the foreigners were stranded was poor.

The circumstances prompted the PCG-Bicol to coordinate with the Philippine Air Force (PAF), which conducted an aerial survey.

After the PAF confirmed the location of the Nora Simrad, the PCG coordinated with local disaster officials to rescue the  foreigners.

The PCG-Bicol deployed its disaster response team on board the motor tugboat Iriga.

The Iriga towed the Nora Simrad to the port of Catanduanes, where the foreigners were given medical attention.