Boat capsizes off Palawan; 19 rescued

MANILA, Philippines — Nineteen government workers were rescued after a motorbanca they were riding capsized off Dumaran in Palawan Thursday morning due to strong waves brought by Tropical Depression “Fabian,” the Philippine Coast Guard said.

Commander Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said the motorbanca “Salve” left Dumaran for Santa Teresita with 19 personnel from the local government unit of the Department of Social Welfare and Development on board.  The vessel capsized at 8:49 a.m.

The motorbanca encountered engine trouble and big waves caused it to capsize, Balilo said.

Meanwhile, First Lieutenant Cheryl Tindog of the Western Command said that one pregnant woman was also on board, but was in stable condition when she was rescued.

The capsized vessel, owned by Vice Mayor Richard Herrera of Dumaran, has also been recovered, Tindog said.

Lieutenant Antolin Cayabo, spokesman of the Coast Guard detachment based on Cuyo Island, said they were able to mount a rescue immediately following a call from one of the boat’s passengers, a municipal employee, before their outrigger boat sank. With a report by Redempto D. Anda, Inquirer Southern Luzon

Originally posted at 3:55 p.m.