PCG probing deadly sea tragedy off Iloilo, Guimaras coast

SEA TRAGEDY Fishermen carry the body of a passenger, one of at least 31 who died after their motorboats capsized in the waters between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island during stormy weather on Saturday afternoon. —AFP/PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

MANILA, Philippines — Maritime investigators have already been dispatched to the area where three motorboats capsized due to strong winds and big waves off the coast of Iloilo and Guimaras over the weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

READ: Death toll in capsized motorboats rises to 31

“May pinadala na po tayong maritime investigators doon sa area,” PCG Spokesperson Capt. Arman Balilo said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer on Monday.

According to Balilo, the maritime investigators were deployed Sunday afternoon.

“Ang priority po natin [ay] matapos po ‘yong search and rescue at may account ‘yong mga pasahero. At nang sa ganon ay makapagsimula tayong mag-imbestiga at para ma-review natin kung may mga lapses ba [o] may mga protocol na kailangang baguhin para po ma-improve natin yung ating serbisyo pa at hindi na maulit yung nangyare,” he said.

He then reminded the public to exercise caution in the midst of the inclement weather.

“‘Yong mga kababayan po natin maging maingat po tayo, medyo tricky po ang karagatan sa mga panahong katulad nitong Habagat,” Balilo said. /je