93 ferry passengers, crew rescued off Surigao City

A total of 93 people aboard a passenger ferry that ran aground off Surigao City were rescued past noon Wednesday, a Coast Guard official said.

Philippine Coast Guard Commander Nestor Torre of Surigao City told GMANews.TV that 86 passengers and seven crew members of M/B Pilar were rescued by fishermen and PCG rescue team.

According to Torre, the ferry hit a shallow and rocky portion of the sea near coastal Barangay Bitaugan, some 8 nautical miles from Surigao City. He said initial investigation showed strong current and huge waves swept the wooden passenger vessel to shallow and rocky waters two hours after it left Del Carmen town port in the Siargao group of islands, heading for Surigao City. Torre said his office has released a list of all the names of the passengers and crew members who were rescued, adding all were out of danger. — Ben Serrano, GMANews.TV

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