Capsized boat in Romblon 'overloaded,' says PDRRMO

The boat that capsized in the waters off Corcuera, Romblon on Saturday which killed one person was overloaded with passengers, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMO) on Sunday.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Romblon PDRRMO head Roseller Muros said MB King Sto. Niño 7 was carrying a total of 116 passengers at the time of the incident, but its maximum capacity was only 90 passengers.

“Overloaded 'yan. Ang passenger capacity nu'ng bangka is nasa 90 passengers lang,” he said.

(It was overloaded. The passenger capacity of the boat was only 90.)

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), a motorcycle was also on board the boat.

Boat captain Jose Moreno Sr. said MB King Sto. Niño 7 ''submerged due to a direct hit from solid wood at the port side.''

It left a 55-year-old female passenger dead due to cardiac arrest, while three others were hurt.

Muros said the local government unit of Romblon or the PCG may file a case against responsible individuals.

The boat captain was also currently on hold, he added.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region IV, meanwhile, suspended the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate of the boat following the incident.

MARINA said the suspension would only be lifted ''upon favorable recommendation by MARINA inspectors.'' —KG, GMA Integrated News