TACLOBAN CITY – Twenty one sailors were rescued Friday afternoon after their ship loaded with sand ran aground off the coast of island town of Capul, Northern Samar.

Initial report reaching the Philippine National Police regional office disclosed that sea vessel named Landing Craft Tank Poseidon 34 traversing from Legazpi City in Albay to Tagbilaran City, Bohol ran aground after it encountered engine trouble upon reaching the San Bernardo Strait around 2:55 p.m.

Due to rough seas, waves penetrated the boat’s panel board causing the vessel to run aground near the shoreline of San Luis village.

Master Sgt. Lino Congzon, Capul municipal police station chief and Rogelio Borden of municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer led the rescue operations. All 21 passengers of the said boat were unharmed.

San Bernardo Strait separates the Bicol Peninsula of Luzon Island from Samar Island. (PNA)