FIFTY-NINE people were rescued after a motorbanca “MB Miar Romces” they were riding capsized off the waters Barangay Matobato, Calbayog City in Samar around 11:40 a.m. Monday, August 12.
The 52 passengers and seven crew members including the captain were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard, Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), Maritime Group, and Lite Ferries crews after the boat left Calbayog seaport around 11:30 a.m., Monday.
Initial investigation showed that the boat suddenly capsized due to the strong current of waves brought by the south west monsoon.
The boat was on its way to Tagapul-an town in Samar.
Responding authorities saw the sinking boat about one kilometer from the port area.
“This worst experience na hindi ko alam kung mabubuhay pa ako. Yung medyo natagalan ang rescue team. Tapos makikita mo unti unting lumulubog ang bangka. Thank you so much Lord kay waray mo gihap kami pabayi,” wrote passenger Analyn Calimbo on Facebook shortly after the incident.
The rescued passengers and boat crew are now being attended by personnel of the city’s Bureau of Fire Protection.
Calbayog City Police and Philippine Coast Guard are investigating the incident.
On August 3, a motorbanca capsized off Iloilo and Guimaras waters due to a bad weather, killing 31 people. (SunStar Philippines)