Navy rescues 102 tourists stranded in Masbate

ALBAY, Philippines – The Naval Forces of Southern Luzon (Navforsol) rescued more than 100 domestic tourists, who got stranded on Sombrero Island, Burias, Masbate province on Tuesday afternoon, February 9, due to big waves.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration had issued a gale warning advisory, prohibiting small boats from sailing.

Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Guzman, Southern Luzon Command spokesman, said that the Philippine Navy rescued 102 tourists from Manila who were stranded on Sombrero Island.

The rescue operation was carried out by the Naval Forces Southern Luzon’s Patrol Gun Boat 370 under Lieutenant Edwin Nuestro Jr, who were deployed despite the turbulent seas.

“NavForSol was able to successfully transport the tourists, most of them from Manila, and the island caretakers to safety to nearby Burias Island,” Guzman said.

He said that the domestic tourists from Manila went to Masbate for a 3-day island hopping.

“On the last day of their island hopping, the wind was strong and the sea was rough, so they were not allowed to sail, with limited food supply. They made a distress call to seek assistance until it reached the Philippine Navy. They were rescued immediately,” Guzman said. – Rappler.com