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By ERWIN MASCARIÑAS
Correspondent

THE Coast Guard (PSG) rescued five people from two boats that capsized in Surigao City on Sunday evening.

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Coast Guard-Surigao del Norte station deputy commander Joefrey Monta Sr. said the rescue took place in the waters off Basul Island. He said the two boats capsized due to big strong waves at around 8 pm.

An investigation report showed that a motorized pump boat called “Marlie” with two passengers bound for Sitio Buyho, San Jose, Surigao City from Canlanipa, Surigao City, had engine trouble at around 2:30 pm on Dec. 1 near Rasa Island. Its engine ignited into flames.

Monta said the pump boat owner decided to intentionally capsize the pump boat to contain the fire while calling his relatives for help.

He said the tugboat sent for the rescue subsequently capsized while towing the other boat.

“The huge waves that hit the rescuing vessel was too much for them that it capsized the boat with its three crew and the two rescued people,” Monta said.

The Coast Guard then sent rescuers on a speed boat and a patrol vessel to the area at around 8 pm and searched for the boats that sunk.

Monta said the victims remained afloat while holding to the outrigger of a pump boat. He said they were way off course.

He said two of the survivors suffered slight burns and were brought to Caraga Regional Hospital.

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