PCG saves 5 individuals in Cebu sea mishap amid TD Wilma

Five individuals were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) after their motorbanca nearly capsized off Hilantagaan Island in Santa Fe, Cebu while attempting to deliver essential goods at the height of Tropical Depression "Wilma," a ranking official disclosed Saturday, Dec. 6.

- MARTIN SADONGDONG and JEL SANTOS

Captain Noemie Cayabyab, PCG spokesperson, said the group was caught by bad sea conditions in the vicinity waters of Barangay Okoy, causing their boat to almost sink before PCG personnel intervened in time.

"There were five individuals rescued by the PCG due to bad weather. They had set out with the intention of transporting essential goods to a nearby island but they were caught by worsening sea conditions, causing their motorbanca to nearly sink. Fortunately, the PCG was able to save them," Cayabyab revealed.

Cayabyab warned residents in coastal areas, as well as fishermen and small boat operators, to refrain from sailing because the seas could appear calm from the shoreline but conditions could drastically worsen farther out at sea due to the combined effects of Wilma and the northeast monsoon (amihan).

Wilma almost stationary

Wilma maintained its strength on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 6, as it remained almost stationary over the coastal waters of Eastern Samar, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

In its Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 15 issued at 2 p.m., PAGASA said the center of Wilma was estimated at over the coastal waters of Sulat, Eastern Samar as of 1 p.m.