3 dead, 42 rescued in Masbate banca accident

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday said that three died, 42 passengers and crew members were rescued and a three-year-old boy is still missing after two motor bancas capsized in Aroroy, Masbate.

The PCG said the incident happened in the waters between Brgy. Gumahang and Brgy. Sawang in Masbate on Thursday.

The PCG immediately deployed personnel despite rough sea conditions.

It said that through sustained surface search, towing and underwater operations, PCG search and rescue teams rescued 34 passengers and eight crew members with one reported casualty.

The PCG added that on Friday, two more casualties were retrieved during continuous search and rescue efforts.

“As of this reporting period, one person remains missing, a three-year-old boy,” the PCG said.

Search and rescue operations are being conducted by members of Coast Guard District Bicol, particularly the Coast Guard Station Masbate and Coast Guard Sub-Station Aroroy.

“PCG search and rescue teams remain on-site and are persistently conducting search and rescue operations to locate the remaining missing person with the help of the Coast Guard Aviation Force, Naval Forces Southern Luzon, Tactical Operations Group V,  PNP Aroroy MPS and MDRMMO Aroroy,” the PCG said.

The Coast Guard District Bicol assured the public that all necessary measures are being undertaken and that the operations will continue until the search is concluded.