CG Saves Pair from Stricken Yacht

Two foreign nationals rescued from distressed yacht off Tubbataha, Palawan


Two foreign nationals are now placed into safety by the Philippine Coast Guard after sustaining minor injuries from an incident while sailing east of Basterra Reef, Palawan.


American citizen Capt Linda Mckeever, 60 years old, and Rene Menz, 47 years old from Palau, were onboard S/V Creola when they were found and rescued by a passing fishing vessel, FV Mighty One, yesterday at around 5:30AM approximately 47NM southwest of South Islet, Tubbataha, Palawan.


On the same day at around 6:20AM, the personnel of Coast Guard District Palawan were informed by the Maritime Situation Awareness Center of the Philippine Navy that S/V Creola was in distress at the said area.


The PCG immediately deployed the Search and Rescue Vessel (SARV) 3503 47NM southwest of South Islet Tubbataha, Palawan where the yacht was anchored as reported  the U.S. Coast Guard.


The fishermen onboard FV Might One reported that it sighted a motorbanca alongside the yacht of the foreigners. SARV 3503 then proceeded to the area and chased the subject motorboat when it attempted to flee the area. The Coast Guard, however, was able to identify the boat as M/Bca Christopher.


Capt. Mckeever and Mr. Menz were transferred onboard SARV 3503 and returned to their yacht to conduct assessment and secured important materials. They were then brought to Puerto  Princesa City. They were on their way to Borneo from Palau Island when the incident happened.


As of this writing, the PCG Medical personnel have already completed medical check-ups and treated the minor abrasions at the wrist of one of the survivors.


Advise from the United States Embassy is yet to be released for the disposition of the survivors.