TWENTY-SIX people were rescued when a motor banca they were riding capsized off the province of Masbate Wednesday morning.

In its website, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the motor banca "Marilou Tres" was carrying 21 passengers and five crew members when it capsized at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The PCG added the banca that came from Bulan in Sorsogon while enroute to San Jacinto, Masbate capsized at vicinity 4.5 nautical miles from the shoreline of San Jacinto reportedly caused by a “tornado-like” or the so-called squall phenomenon.

The passengers were rescued by MV Our Lady of Carmel, owned and operated by Medallion Shipping Lines, the PCG said.

All rescued passengers and crew members were placed on board the said rescue vessel and were closely monitored by PCG to be all in good physical condition.

The Boat Captain was advised to submit Marine Protest for investigation purposes, the PCG added. (Sunnex)