The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued seven individuals after a motorbanca submerged in the waters between Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol, and Maasin City, Southern Leyte, on April 24.

In a statement on Saturday, the PCG said its Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded to reports of a maritime incident and later discovered two motorbancas in the area.

“Upon arrival, the SAR team sighted two motorbancas. Four individuals were transferred to an LGU rescue boat, while the remaining three persons were safely transported to the shoreline of Barangay Tilmobo,” the PCG said.

All seven individuals were brought to safety, with four senior citizens turned over at Pitogo Port before being handed to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Pitogo for further assistance and proper disposition.

The PCG said the rescue operation was conducted in coordination with local government units and Task Force Kalikasan as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime safety and emergency response operations nationwide, in line with directives to enhance search and rescue capabilities.

No fatalities were reported.

Authorities have yet to release details on what caused the motorbanca to submerge.