Last Thursday, the Maritime Operations Center (MOC) of the Coast Guard received a call from a member of the public who spotted a red flare signal at sea in the vicinity of Sta. Cruz. Based on this report, the MOC dispatched the Coast Guard aircraft to the location of the flare to assess the situation.
Upon arrival in the area, the aircraft crew spotted a boat with a man on board waving for help. Once the vessel was located, the MOC sent a Metal Shark boat to the scene to render assistance. The Metal Shark safely towed the boat, with the local man on board, toward the bay of Sta. Cruz.
In this emergency situation, having a flare on board proved essential. The man used it effectively to attract the attention of people on shore and signal that he was in distress. During an emergency, a flare can be a vital piece of equipment to catch the attention of bystanders or nearby vessels when other means of communication are unavailable at that moment.
The Coast Guard advises all boat owners to maintain their vessels regularly. Ensure that you have adequate safety and rescue equipment on board, such as: life jackets, flares, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, sufficient water, a fire extinguisher, a VHF radio, and a fully charged cell phone. Prevent your boat from breaking down at sea and placing yourself and your passengers in a dangerous situation. Should you require assistance, you can contact the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16, call the emergency number 913, or send a WhatsApp message to 005999 510 0913. The Coast Guard wishes you a pleasant and safe journey.