Pinay, American husband rescued as yacht ran aground in Sugicay Island

JOINT authorities have ensured the safety of two individuals aboard a distressed yacht that ran aground near the shoreline of Sugicay Island, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, yesterday afternoon.

Barangay Chairman Nemia Santillan of Sitio Bangkal, Barangay San Juan, Bulalacao immediately notified the Coast Guard Sub Station (CGSS) Bulalacao personnel and immediately organized a search and rescue team.

The rescued couple were identified as Belen Sidell, 41, Filipina, and Jon Sidell, 63, American, had departed from Poblacion, Bulalacao, on March 3, 2024, en route to Sugicay Island.

The boat anchored with an estimated depth of 10-15 meters upon arrival at the island.

The couple’s planned kite surfing activity faced challenges with water currents and winds, causing the yacht to drift and ultimately run aground.

The Coast Guard Sub Station Bulalacao team, in collaboration with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management patrol boat, successfully towed the yacht to safety, approximately 150 to 200 meters from the shoreline of Sitio Bangkal.

Around 5PM, the Coast Guard assisted the rescued couple going to a beach resort located at Barangay San Roque to transport them back to Cabalwa, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro and will return the next day.