Scuba Geek

Four scuba divers rescued between Bohol and Camiguin islands. March 23, 2006

Posted by Andy Carroll in : Accidents, Travel, Uncategorized , trackback

The Bohol Chronicle report on four scuba divers who had a bit of a worrying time after becoming stranded on a boat near Camiguin. Apparently they were heading from Panglao to stay overnight at Camiguin, but the rough seas were too much for the boat and they couldn’t reach the shore. Eventually the boat ran out of fuel and they started making distress signals.

They were drifting for more than 48 hours and many passig vessels did not respond, said Elmer Loreno, boat captain, from Sunrise, Tawala, Panglao during an exclusive interview

He identified the scuba divers as Ian Willies, Ali Swandel, Mr. Fritchen and a certain Ruby Hora, from Panglao town. They left Panglao Island at 7 a.m. last Sunday to bring the drivers for an overnight stay in Camiguin.

“Big waves prevented us from reaching the shorelines of Camiguin,” Loreno narrated until they ran out of fuel and the pumpboat’s battery discharged.

Since part of the trip was an overnight stay in Camiguin, Loreno brought food, including rice which they ate while awaiting rescue. They set their shirts on fire to create signals in a hope that the passing vessels will rescue them, but to no avail, Loreno said.

Alerted on the incident, PNP Prov’l Director Arturo Evangelista coordinated a rescue operation by contacting agencies based in Cebu, including a chopper for fear that the divers were kidnapped.

The divers and the three crewmen were rescued by bonnet- wearing fishermen who chanced upon them. Fearing that they were there to abduct them, the skipper texted authorities until the report reached Col. Evangelista.

Wow, that sounds like an incredible story. Imagine being adrift at sea, burning your shirts, worrying about kidnappers! Hardly a relaxing diving trip!