I joined my fellow officers of the Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers - Southern Tagalog Chapter on our trip to Marinduque in December 2005. We were going there to conduct a consultation meeting with the professional AEs in the province and give a seminar related to our field.
We did not make it to the 4:00 am trip on the ferry but because of our commitment, we decided to hire a motorboat to beat the schedule. The sea was calm but as we rode in the open sea, we got wet. Really, really wet.With no spare clothes to change into, we proceeded to the venue. Our team was warmly welcomed by the group. Before we left, we told them our story and they wished us well as we hurried to go back to the boat and sail to Lucena.
About five kilometers from the shore, our boat was in trouble. The propeller got detached and dropped to the bottom of the sea and we were floating right there in the middle. Good thing, a ferry just left the port. We were rescued and brought to Lucena for safety and some questioning by the Coast Guard officers. Never do it again, we were told. Unofficial vessel. No lifevests and other safety gadgets. Heard it, loud and clear.
