PCG: 3 dead, 7 missing as 2 boats capsize off Antique

Three passengers died and seven remain missing after two motor bancas capsized off Caluya Island in Antique, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Thursday.

In a statement, the Coast Guard said the MBCA Ure Mae and an unnamed boat departed Boracay Island at 4 a.m. on August 26 bound for Caluya, Antique.

Three hours later, the boats with 20 passengers between them including their captains, encountered rough waves amid inclement weather and sank.

The missing passengers were identified as Christian Aguilar, Vic Florendo, Roel Delloro, Joseph Delloro, Frankie Gajero, Rosauro Delloro and Zaldy Pacis.

“The PCG, Municipal Police Station (MPS) San Jose, and MDRRMO-San Jose, immediately launched a search and rescue (SAR) mission to locate and rescue the other passengers,” the PCG said.

According to the PCG, 10 other passengers have been rescued.

“Two survivors shared that after the incident, they drifted to San Jose, Romblon, and swam to the nearest shoreline to seek assistance,” the PCG said.

The PCG advised vessels and fisherfolk in the area as well as residents of coastal communities to report possible sightings of the missing individuals. —Joviland Rita/RF, GMA Integrated News