( WATCH: Nacy Orello interviewed by CDN correspondent Jhunnex Napallacan. She was on her way to Inabanga, Bohol when the incident happened. Video by Jhunnex Napallacan)
The Coast Guard rescued at least 167 passengers including six infants and 3 crewmen of a motorboat that encountered engine trouble in the waters of Liloan town in Cebu Sunday morning.
Motorbanca Monico Zen was on its way to Getafe town in Bohol from Pasil fishport when the engine malfunctioned at 11:30 am, according to Cebu Coast Guard Station Commander Agapito Bibat.
The crew tried to fix the problem until the boat drifted towards Hilutungan channel.
Rescued passenger from motorbanca Monico Zen. (CDN PHOTO / Jhunnex Napallacan)
Bibat said rescue vessel DF 318 and another aluminum boat were sent for the rescue operation.
Coast Guard personnel rescued the passengers at Hilitungan channel and were given food. The boat was towed towards Pier Uno near Malacanang sa Sugbo.
The boat is reportedly unregistered or “colorum,” according to Bibat.