3 missing in rough waters off Bohol

Rough waters between the islands of Siquijor and Balicasag have reportedly sunk a motorized banca. Three men on the banca have been reported missing and the Coast Guard has launched a search and rescue operation. AFP FILE

PANGLAO, Bohol — Search and rescue operations have been launched for three men who went missing after their motorized banca sank in rough waters off Bohol on Monday afternoon.

Precious King Viernes of the Coast Guard-substation in Panglao town identified those missing as boat skipper Shino Da Dios, his nephew Orly Da Dios and Virgel Claraba, all of Panglao.

He said the three men reportedly ferried tourists to Siquijor Island on board MBC Amazing Grace on Monday.

At about 2 p.m., they were headed back to Panglao when they were hit by big waves spawned by the a low pressure area that had been affecting the Visayas.

The motorbanca sank between Balicasag Island and Siquijor.

Friends and family members said the three men were veteran fishermen who knew the area well.

Viernes said they conducted search and rescue operations until Monday night but failed to locate the three men.

Search and rescue resumed on Tuesday despite the bad weather and gale warning issued by the weather bureau.

“Sad to say that rough sea conditions made the search and rescue operation very difficult,” said Viernes in a phone interview with Inquirer.

“We are still looking for them,” he added. CBB/rga