A passenger catamaran was forced to return to Ormoc City last December 3 after passengers reported heavy smoke on board.
According to the local government of Ormoc City, the Supercat vessel left Ormoc at around 9:00 a.m. and was bound for Cebu City when passengers noticed smoke coming from the craft a few minutes after departing.
Upon receiving a report from a concerned passenger, the Ormoc City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) immediately dispatched its Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) boat "Lucy" to the area.
The rescue boat reached the fast craft near Camotes Island in Cebu just 19 minutes after being dispatched, in what officials called an “exceptional and efficient response.”
"“After establishing communication with the fast craft, the CDRRMO team coordinated closely with the vessel’s captain," the LGU said in a statement.
The vessel was able to return to Ormoc City port without further incident, while all passengers and crew were unharmed.
The city government commended the CDRRMO personnel for their “outstanding readiness, coordination, and dedication to public safety,” noting that their swift action helped prevent the situation from escalating and ensured the fast craft’s safe and secure return.
(With report from PNA)
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