Boatman drowns, 20 tourists rescued after 3 boats capsize off Bohol

PANGLAO, Bohol — A 62-year-old boatman drowned while 20 tourists were rescued after three boats capsized off Gak-ang Island here on Thursday noon.

The fatality was identified as Avenito Vistal, a resident of Inabanga town.

Initial investigation by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Western Bohol showed that the motorboats capsized due to bad weather.

The boats — RBCA Margie 2, RBCA Plaza 2, and RBCA Leah Mae — came from Balicasag Island for a diving and snorkeling tour.

READ: Six rescued after pump boat capsizes in Sibonga, Cebu due to storm surge 

However, when they were to return to Panglao Island, the boats encountered big waves and strong wind near Gak-ang Island or Cat Island.

Most of the passengers are Koreans.

PCG-Substation in Panglao personnel conducted an immediate rescue operation and rescued 20 passengers.

READ: 3 fishermen rescued from capsized boat off Cavite – PCG