Navy personnel rescued 73 crew and passengers of a motorized boat which suffered mechanical problem off the shore of Infanta, Quezon, a military spokesman said Saturday.

Navy Lieutenant (senior grade) Darwin Nieva, spokesman of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon, said the MB Raffy was on its way to Real town from Polilio Island last Friday morning when the shaft connecting the engine and the propeller was detached.

“A boat which was incapacitated when it lost its power and steering is extremely dangerous given the sea condition," said Nieva.

“Once it lost its power and stalled, it may be overturned by big waves, swept away to high seas or run aground,” he added.

Nieva said a navy boat stationed nearby immediately proceeded in the area and towed the passenger boat to safety, adding that no one was hurt during the incident.

The official attributed the safe rescue to the boat captain who immediately sought the assistance through a distress call he sent to local authorities.