One missing as three vessels sink due to Quinta in Batangas

One person remains missing while dozens others were rescued as three vessels sank in Batangas due to Typhoon Quinta.

According to a report by Darlene Cay on “24 Oras,” the missing person is a crew of a yacht that capsized off the waters of Bauan City at around 5 a.m. Seven other crew members of the vessel were rescued.

“Lumakas kasi ang alon, tapos dinala kami ng alon sa hangin sa tagiliran, tumagilid na kami, pinasok na kami ng tubig, tuloy-tuloy na lumubog ang barko.  ‘Pag lubog, saka na kami nagtalunan,” Tomas de Rosario, captain of the yacht said.

In Mabini town, another vessel sank with 80 passengers who were all rescued.  A fishing vessel carrying nine persons also sank in Lubao Island, the Batangas Ports Authority said.  All of its crew were safe.

Nine other vessels ran aground off the coast of Batangas and sought help from authorities.

At least 72 individuals were stranded at the Batangas Pier after sea trips were cancelled due to the stormy weather.

Outside the port, some 400 vehicles form a long line, including delivery trucks carrying live chickens and vegetables.

Several families living in coastal communities in Batangas City and Calaca City were evacuated to safer grounds.

Lito Castro of the provincial disaster office said some of the families were initially hesitant to seek refuge in the center for fear of overcrowding.  He said barangay officials continue to man the centers to ensure that physical distancing is observed.—LDF, GMA News