Half-submerged MBCA Spirit in the waters off Barangay Pilar in San Antonio, Northern Samar. (Photo from Philippine Coast Guard)
MANILA, Philippines — The total number of people rescued from a half-sunken motorbanca in Northern Samar has gone up to 51.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) gave the update on Thursday.
Initially, it was reported that 33 passengers were rescued from a boat, MBCA Spirit, in the vicinity waters off barangay Pilar in San Antonio town on Wednesday.
But in its latest official report, PCG said the total number of passengers is 41.
The rest are boat captains and nine crew.
PCG told INQUIRER.net in a text message that the figure was revised due to an error in the initial information.
The earlier report only accounted for the adult passengers, excluding the teenagers and infants.
MBCA Spirit left Victoria town in Northern Samar and headed to the municipality of San Vicente.
During the trip, big waves hit the boat’s bow and damaged it.
MBCA Spirit began to submerge as a result.
Three fishing boats came around and towed the motorbanca to the shore of San Antonio.
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