52 survive, 1 dies after motorbanca capsizes off Cebu — PCG

MANILA, Philippines — Fifty-two people survived while one passenger died after a motorbanca capsized off Cebu, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Sunday.

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The motorbanca, Mercery, capsized in the vicinity waters off Gato Island and Garrasa Island in Daanbantayan, Cebu last Friday due to a rough sea condition.

According to the PCG Sub-Station Daanbantayan, 46 onboard the motorbanca were passengers while seven were crew members.

One of the passengers, a female senior citizen, lost her life. Three others sustained injuries and were rushed to the district hospital for medical attention.

The remaining survivors, meanwhile, were transported to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Evacuation Center for assistance.

Based on reports, the motorbanca departed Barangay Poblacion, Daanbantayan heading to Carnasa Island without PCG clearance.

“While traversing the vicinity waters of Gato Island with rough sea condition, water ingress was noticed at the forward portion of the boat which damaged its outrigger, causing it to capsize,” PCG’s incident report said.

“Subsequently, transiting motorbancas that responded to the incident ferried the 52 survivors and one female senior citizen casualty to Maya Port,” it added.

The PCG reminded motorbanca operators and boat captains to properly comply with policies and circulars released by the agency.

“They are also urged not to venture out into the sea during unfavorable weather conditions to avoid similar incidents in the future,” PCG advised.

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