1 dead, 50 rescued from capsized boat in Cebu
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — One person died while 50 others were rescued after a motorbanca capsized in waters off Daanbantayan in northern Cebu Province, authorities said on Saturday.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Cebu station has yet to identify the victim’s remains but noted the woman was the lone casualty in the sea tragedy.
Meanwhile, most of the passengers and crew of MBCA Mercy Ray were safely brought to Maya port Friday night.
The survivors were all rescued and accounted for past 10 p.m. Three others were brought to the Daanbantayan District Hospital to receive medical treatment.
According to the PCG, the boat departed from Poblacion, Daanbantayan in mainland Cebu Island at around 4 p.m. Friday en route to Carnasa Island, carrying 43 passengers and eight crew members.
The boat also carried 10 sacks of rice and 70 cases of assorted soft drinks and beverages.
Based on the initial report, the boat was around the vicinity of Isla De Gato at 5:30 p.m. when sea waters started to fill the front portion, breaking the boat’s outrigger.
It is not yet clear whether the boat encountered huge waves or if the vehicle was overloaded when it sailed.
The PCG is still conducting an investigation on the incident.
