Motor banca capsized in waters off San Francisco, Camotes
A 2-year-old girl and a woman in her 30s drowned while 29 others were rescued after the motor banca they were riding on capsized off the waters of Camotes Islands in northern Cebu on Tuesday morning.
Three other passengers are missing as of press time.
The crew of Lite Ferry 27 rescued 15 passengers while the Philippine Coast Guard ship, BRP Capones, saved 14 other passengers.
According to Rhannel Evasco, Lite Ferry 27 chief mate, they also retrieved the two bodies of those who drowned.
They were identified as Althea Gonzaga. 2 years old, and Neriza Gonzaga, who was described to be in her 30s.
Evasco assured that the 15 rescued passengers were safe after the Lite Ferry 27 arrived at the Mandaue port on Tuesday evening.
The 15 survivors were identified as Boat Captain Romar Hermosilla, 51; Passengers: Jordan Gonzaga, 18; Edward Jaime, 16; Rowena Peroso, 29; Margie Gonzaga, 24; Jucemar Gonzaga, 12; Sherlie Miao, 49; Mark Gonzaga, 16; Judith Palomar, 47; Bonifacia Gonzaga, 57; Jeylo Palomar, 13; Vitaliana Sampan, 77; Angelica De Leon, 13; Danny De Leon Sr., 45; and Elena Sumalinog, 50.
Evasco said that the passengers also told them that the three missing passengers are Carel Palomar, 9; Andia De Leon, 2; and Kiven Gonzaga 4.
Evasco recalled how they spotted the motor banca fighting the huge waves off the seas of Camotes Islands.
He said that the motor banca was about two miles from their ship when it suddenly capsized at 10:30 a.m.
He also said that the survivors told them that they came from Carmen town in northern Cebu and were heading for San Francisco town in the Camotes Islands.
He said after seeing the boat capsize, Captain Gerardo Legados, Lite Ferry 27 captain, ordered the ship to slow down and rescue the passengers of the capsized boat.
Meanwhile, another 14 survivors were also rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard ship, BRP Capones.
The Coast Guard identified those rescued as Mariane Gonzaga, 14; Maria Medesa Gonzaga, 47; Josie Gonzaga, 51; Anidita Formitira, 55; Milagros Otida, 62; Jhon Lee Mark Gonzaga, 5; Crisalyn Peraso, 11; Daniel De Leon, 5; Danny De Leon Jr., 9; Mary Jane Gonzaga, 10; Jinky Palomar, 6; Ritchiel Mea Soralta, 9; Princessa Farrag Andrade, 3 months old; and James Ivan Gonzaga.
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