06/10/10 - At least 93 passengers and crew were rescued after an inter-island ferry ran aground off Southern Philippines, coast guard officials said today.
Swift current and strong waves swept the wooden-hulled MB Pilar to the shallow and rocky coast off Bintaogan village in Mindanao’s Surigao City at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, prompting distress calls and a rescue operation by local coast guard personnel and local fishermen, said Philippine Coast Guard Petty Officer 2 Josue Saba.
The sea-craft was carrying 86 passengers and seven crew members from Del Carmen town in Siargao Island and was bound to Surigao City when it encountered huge waves two hours after departure, Saba said.
The victims were brought to shore by pump boats from local fishermen and Coast Guard crafts and are now safe.
Sea accidents are common in the Philippines as sea vessels ranging from outrigger boats to ships are among the frequent mode of transportation around the archipelago.(Philstar)
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