Bacolod City, Negros Occidental - A total of 172 passengers aboard a fast craft bound for Iloilo City were safely rescued back to Bredco Port in Bacolod after the vessel encountered engine trouble. The incident triggered a distress call to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Philippines News Agency, Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, chief of PCG-Northern Negros Occidental, reported that the M/V Weesam Express 6, which left Bacolod around 11:30 a.m., experienced the engine issue roughly 30 minutes into the journey. The PCG's report confirmed that all passengers and crew were accounted for. Following the distress call at 1:15 p.m., CGS-Bredco Port coordinated with a tug boat operator for the rescue, which brought the vessel back to Bacolod by 3:30 p.m. The Coast Guard District Western Visayas also dispatched BRP Kalanggaman to escort the towing operation, ensuring passenger safety.