3 dead, 7 missing as 2 boats capsize off Boracay, Antique

ILOILO CITY—Search and rescue operations are ongoing for seven passengers of two motorboats that capsized amid rough waters between Boracay Island and Antique province on Monday. Three people died in the accident.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) units stationed in Caluya town in Antique, Boracay Island in Aklan province and Romblon province as well as the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Malay, Aklan, launched a joint operation to locate the victims identified as Vic Florendo, Roel Delloro, Zaldy Pacis, Christian Aguilar, Frankie Gajero, Sauro Delloro and Joseph Delloro.

Reports showed that an unnamed motorized boat with six people on board from Boracay capsized while on its way to Caluya after it was battered by huge waves and strong winds early morning on Aug. 26.

Crew members of a larger boat, FBCA Ure Mae, which was carrying 14 people, tried to help the distressed passengers, but their boat also capsized.

READ: 3 dead, 7 missing as 2 motorboats capsize between Boracay, Antique

The MDRRMO in Caluya reported that the two boats left Boracay around 3 a.m. on Aug. 26 and were expected to reach Caluya three hours later.

When the vessels capsized, two passengers—Gary Barrientos and Jonald Patricio—were able to swim and reach Carabao Island in Romblon to seek assistance. The PCG launched an operation and rescued eight passengers seen holding on to parts of the capsized boats on Aug. 27.

The following day, rescue and search teams found the bodies of Christopher Gajero and Marlon Belleca on the shores of Sitio Sto. Niño at Barangay Poblacion in Looc town, Romblon. Another body, believed to be that of Mark Delloro, was found in the same village on Thursday.

The PCG has advised vessels, fishers and coastal residents to report possible sightings of the missing passengers. —ALLAINE KATE LEDA