VIRAC, Catanduanes — The Philippine Coast Guard District Bicol (CGDBCL) rescued four Norwegian nationals aboard a drifting sailboat near Cabugao Bay on Saturday, May 17.

According to the Coast Guard, the foreign nationals were onboard the SY NORA Simrad, which was found adrift after its communication systems failed. Commodore Ivan Roldan, commander of CGDBCL, led the coordinated rescue operation.

The Coast Guard Station in Catanduanes responded to the initial distress call but received no reply when attempting to contact the vessel via radio. The CGDBCL then requested support from the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 5, which conducted aerial surveillance to locate the vessel.

Once the sailboat’s location was confirmed, authorities deployed the tugboat M/T Iriga from Legazpi Port. Onboard were members of the Coast Guard’s Special Operations Unit Bicol, Maritime Safety Services Unit, Medical Station, Nursing Service Sub-unit, and Civil Relations Group to assist and tow the sailboat to safety.

The vessel was successfully brought to port in Catanduanes. All four Norwegian nationals were medically assessed and found to be in good condition.