The total number of fishermen who perished in a motorbanca accident in the City of Naga, south Cebu Province has reached six, as of June 6, 2024.

Six people died, six were rescued including the boat skipper, but one is in critical condition, as of posting time, when a motorbanca caught fire off the City of Naga in Cebu at past 8 p.m. on June 5, 2024.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported initially of a fisherman found unconscious with third-degree burns. As of June 6, 2024, it was confirmed that two persons died after sustaining severe burns. 

A cargo vessel was navigating near the area where the incident happened. The crew called immediately the Philippine Coast Guard City of Naga Sub-station. 

A fire-out was declared at past 9 p.m. after an hour of firefighting. 

Rescue was halted temporarily when the waters went choppy. The rescue operation resumed by 7 a.m. where four more bodies were recovered. 

Petty Officer 1st Class Joel Baring, commander of the City of Naga Coast Guard Sub-station confirmed that the fishing banca traveled from Guilutugan island in Masbate on June 2, 2024 toward Cebu to fish. However, one of two engines conked out. 

Mark Anthony Sullano, the boat captain, said that the two who suffered severe burns were in-charge of engine repairwork. 

In an interview, Sullano said they were carrying provision, crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas tank, and fishing equipment. He denied vehemently that there were blasting materials onboard the boat used for alleged dynamite fishing. 

The person in critical condition sustained reportedly burns and a leg fracture, but is now able to talk to his sister. 

PCG is yet to determine what could have caused the explosion and the people responsible for the incident.  PCG also awaits documents to show that the boat is a registered fishing vessel.

Members of the respective families of those who perished and survived are expected to arrive in Cebu.

Debris of the fishing boat will be towed to shore as these pose hazard to ships passing through the seaway or the lane at sea used regularly as route for vessels.

(via Fe Marie Dumaboc, Lou-Anne Mae Rondina/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak; and Decemay Padilla/DYSS Super Radyo GMA)