CEBU (Updated) -- Three adults, mostly in their mid 20s, drowned when the pump boat they were riding capsized off the coast of Barangay Madridejos, Alegria, around 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 4.
The fatalities were identified as Rosalyn Vecere Peligro, 31, from Cebu City; her sister, Ruby, 27; and Albert Velonta Lopez, 24.
The other passengers were: Daniel Togon, 23; Mary Grace Velonta Lopez, 21; Marites Antobo Salva, 20; and minors Richelle Seguerra Velonta, 17; El Shane Ruby Lopez, 2; Isiah Andrey Lopez, 1; Daniel Dave Togon, 2; Aldrid Dave Orot, 8; Kent Bernard Cabigas, 7; Reynard Seguerra Velonta, 5; and Arnel Seguerra Velonta, 9.
Rechelle Torsiende, Alegria local disaster officer, said that 15 people, including eight minors and seven adults, were on an excursion along the town's coast onboard an 18-seater motorbanca.
Alegria police later said the group was having a beach outing at Batong Malunhaw Resort. They boarded the boat in Barangay Filomena.
On their way back to Barangay Filomena, the boat's engine suddenly conked out around 3 p.m.
The boatman, Jazreel Velonta Bendulo, 23, told Ngalan that he had to paddle the boat toward the shore, but it was suddenly flipped over by a huge wave.
Torsiende said the three fatalities did not know how to swim.
Initial investigation revealed that the owner of the boat, Alberto Lendio Lopez, did not provide the passengers with life jackets.
Boatman Bendulo managed to rescue six passengers. (JKV/KAL/SunStar Cebu)