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Wednesday, November 05, 2008
40 died, 76 rescued in ferry sinking
MANILA –- At least 40 people died while 76 others were rescued after a passenger ferry capsized off Masbate province early Tuesday afternoon.
Masbate police chief Senior Superintendent Ruben Sindac said the ill-fated Don Dexter Cathlyn was hit by strong winds and big waves off Magcaragit village in Dimasalang town while traveling to Bulan, Sorsogon. The incident occurred around 1 p.m.
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Sindac said they have accounted a total of 40 people dead, including eight children. He added that 76 other passengers were rescued by various groups.
Major General Jeffrey Sodusta, the regional army commander, meantime, said the ferry's manifest listed 119 passengers and a crew of six on board, though ferries frequently carry more people than are officially listed.
"We brought the dead to the plaza," said police senior inspector Arturo Estopare, police chief of Dimasalang town, about three miles (five kilometers) from the accident site.
The bodies were lined up and covered while wailing people checked them for missing loved ones.
The police have yet to identify the victims.
In a radio interview, Sindac said the ferry had been sailing in relatively clear weather.
However, police officer Roy Almine, who helped in the rescue, said huge waves and strong monsoon winds suddenly hit the boat and caused it to overturn and toss passengers into the sea.
"There was no rain. It's like a whirlwind, and the boat overturned," Almine said.
Almine added that the ferry was just about 20 minutes into its voyage when it capsized.
Also, according to Sindac, the ferry was not passenger-friendly. “There were high railings and tarpaulin on the side so when the vessel overturned, these may have helped to trap the passengers."
As of this posting Tuesday, search and rescue operations are still ongoing for the missing passengers.
Sindac said he went to Dimasalang pier to supervise the search and rescue operations, which are being conducted by the navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and local authorities. (VR/AP/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Pangasinan. (November 5, 2008 issue)
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