MANILA, Philippines — A total of 506 passengers were safely rescued after MV Lite Ferry 5 ran aground in shallow waters near Jagna Port, Bohol, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

The vessel was departing for Cagayan de Oro when it drifted approximately 200 meters from the port due to low tide, according to the Coast Guard District Central Visayas (CGDCV). 

A concerned citizen alerted the Coast Guard Substation in Jagna, prompting a swift verification with the vessel’s master and immediate deployment of response teams, it said.

By dawn on April 20, all passengers were safely transferred back to shore with no reported injuries. 

The coordinated operation involved the PCG, the Philippine Navy, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Jagna, Bantay Dagat, and local fisherfolk.

Initial assessments showed no internal damage to the vessel’s hull. However, a full marine safety and environmental inspection is ongoing. A tugboat from Cebu is en route to assist in extracting the ferry from its current position.