30 people survive as boat capsizes

CEBU, Philippines — A motorized pump boat carrying 30 passengers capsized while heading to Olango Island from mainland Mactan early yesterday afternoon.

Considering the big waves, it helped that the passengers knew how to swim, as help came only after 20 minutes.

The passengers are residents of Olango Island. They were travelling from Angasil Wharf in Barangay Agus in Mactan.

"Wala man mga injuries. Nadawat namo ang info mag 1:41 p.m. After 20 minutes, na- rescue sila tanan," said Andy Berame,

chief of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

Sea ambulances, including a city-owned pump boat, responded to the area.

The rescued passengers were given hot meals and were immediately assisted by the Sta. Rosa District Hospital.

Berame said the boat operator may have lost control of the vessel, considering the size of the waves.

Even in the absence of an advisory from PAGASA, Berame said they cancelled the operation of vessels there owing to strong winds.

Following the incident, operations of the pump boat, which is owned by a certain Edelberto Ompad will be suspended.

"Amo ihatag sa Coastguard ug Marina ang case," Berame said.

Meanwhile, later in the afternoon yesterday, the St. Jhudiel of Supercat had to be towed back to the Cebu City Port after it experienced mechanical problems while traveling to Tagbilaran City in Bohol.

All passengers were safe. (FREEMAN)