The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rescued 16 fisherfolk on board a boat that encountered engine trouble in the vicinity waters off Oriental Mindoro.

According to a report released on Thursday by the PCG, the fishing vessel Fbca Princess Ricamae, skippered by Rowell Bones, departed from Rosario, Cavite, on April 22, en route to Estancia, Iloilo, for a fishing venture.

The following day, while traversing the waters off Baco Chico Island, Calapan, the boat encountered engine trouble due to a malfunctioned engine injection pump, the PCG said.

Bones immediately contacted the PCG for assistance, and the oil spill response team in Oriental Mindoro also joined the rescue operation.

The search and rescue team, composed of PCG and PNP Maritime Group personnel, was able to sight the distressed boat about 10 nautical miles off Barangay Buhay na Tubig in Pola.

The team towed Fbca Princess Ricamae to the shoreline of Barangay Tiguihan, Pola.