Boat capsizes off Cebu; 1 dead, 50 rescued

CEBU, Philippines — A 60-year-old woman who was on her way home to Carnaza Island drowned while 50 others were rescued when their boat capsized in the waters off Daanbantayan in Cebu on Friday night.

The fatality was identified as Rustica Oyaw.

Three passengers were injured, including an 11-month-old baby. They were brought to the Daanbantayan District Hospital for treatment.

Five of the survivors are senior citizens while four are minors.

Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura said they had contacted the family of the fatality and expressed their intention to provide assistance.

The survivors underwent stress debriefing yesterday. They were also given cash, five kilos of rice and packed meals.

Initial investigation showed that the motorized boat, MBCA Mercy Ray, had 46 passengers when it left Barangay Poblacion at around 4 p.m.

The boat was off the coast of Isla de Gato when it started to sink.

Rescuers said it took several hours before they found all the survivors.

Shimura said the boat may have been overloaded as it was also carrying 10 sacks of rice and 70 cases of bottled beverages.

Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas spokesman Lt. Junior Grade Erick Salcedo told The Freeman that the boat captain did not seek clearance from the PCG before the vessel left the port.

The boat captain is under police custody while waiting for charges to be filed against him. – Rowena Capistrano, Decemay Padilla/The Freeman