NINE people were rescued after their motor banca capsized off the seas of Negros Occidental on Friday, February 3, 2023.

Philippine Coast Guard-Northern Negros Occidental deputy station commander for administration Realisa Amper said that based on the report given to them by their sub-station in Victorias City, the motor banca left the town of Ajuy, Iloilo late Friday morning bound for the town of Manapla in Negros Occidental.

However, upon reaching the waters of Negros Occidental, the boat was battered by strong waves, causing their boat to capsize.

Fortunately, several fishing boats were also in the area and they were able to rescue the passengers and crew of the vessel.

The fishermen then turned over the rescued passengers to authorities in the town of EB Magalona and were later allowed to go home in their Iloilo.

Amper said no one was hurt in the incident, and they are currently conducting an investigation to find out if the motor banca was authorized to ferry passengers between Ajuy and Manapla.