Coast Guard: 36 rescued off Palawan after big waves hit boat

At least 36 passengers on their way to Coron in Palawan were rescued after their motor banca developed engine trouble after it encountered big waves on Sunday. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the incident involving the motor banca “Jessabel 1" was forced to drop anchor off Cabuli Island, 15 nautical miles off El Nido. “All the 36 passengers to include two from Netherlands, were all brought to Cabuli Island with the assistance of small fishing boats in the area," the PCG said on its website on Monday. "Personnel (of) Coast Guard Detachment El Nido tapped the assistance of the PCG Auxiliary volunteer and coordinated with the Philippine Navy for the availability of their vessel in the area to transport the passengers back to El Nido," the PCG added. Citing belated reports, the PCG said the banca was heading for Coron from El Nido when it encountered big waves. As of 7:00 p.m. Sunday, 18 passengers were brought back to El Nido, 16 aboard the Navy craft and two aboard the PCG Auxiliary speedboat. The remaining 18 passengers were to be transported to El Nido aboard “Jessabel-3," the stricken banca’s sister ship early on Monday. The PCG said the stranded passengers had to be transported because shallow waters were risky for nighttime navigation. The PCG identified the 36 passengers as: