A PUMPBOAT with 32 passengers and three crew members on board sank in the seawaters off Barangay Gilutungan, Cordova town on Sunday, September 25, 2022.
Fred Anlocotan, head of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO), said the pump boat came from Barangay Marigondon in Lapu-Lapu City and was on its way to Gilutungan and Nalusuan islands for an island hopping when the tragedy struck after its motor engine malfunctioned.
"Nitirik ang makina sa pump boat, unya nasudlan ug tubig ang ilang pump boat tungod sa dagko kaayo nga bawod hinungdan sa pagkaunlod niini," Anlocotan said on Monday, September 26, 2022.
(The pump boat's engine malfunctioned, then water started getting in due to big waves causing the sea vessel to sink).
The 35 passengers and crew, however, were all accounted for after being rescued and nobody was reported hurt during the incident.
"Nag-coordinate dayon mi sa barangay ug sa Coast Guard aron makapangita og pump boat nga masakyan sa mga na-rescue," Anlocotan said.
(We immediately coordinated with the Coast Guard in looking for pump boat that will bring the rescued individuals (to the shore)).
As of Monday afternoon, fishermen and pump boat operators were advised not to sail due to the unpleasant weather condition brought by Super Typhoon Karding.