Motorboat capsizes due to waves; passengers, crew rescued

Ten passengers and three boatmen were rescued after strong waves caused the motorboat they were on to capsize. (CDN PHOTO/NORMAN MENDOZA)

A motor boat carrying 10 passengers and three boatmen capsized off the Hilton Wharf at barangay Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City at past 2 pm Monday.

Some passengers and boatmen aboard the MB Nathan Express were rescued after their boat was struck by big waves at a distance from the pier.

The boat captain said they came from Olango Island and already docked at the pier when the big waves shook the boat hard.

He stopped some passengers from getting off the boat and brought the boat a distance away from the pier to avoid being hit by the waves.

But the big waves hit the motor boat as it moved backwards and water soaked the boat’s engine causing it to conk out. The waves which were driven by strong winds caused the boat to capsize.

The crew of other boats cast ropes to the passengers and boatmen who were then helped by medical personnel. About 11 of them sustained only scratches and bruises.

The passengers were identified as Charily Gomez, 33, Rodney Lack, 43 (Australian), Eveno Ompad, 33, Ponciano Wagwag, 35, Miguel Abano, 29, Jay-R Sagarino, 33, Ronald Llanto, 28, Jethro Lupague, 29, Winston Mencede, 13, Rona Ompad, 31 and boat crews Freddie Igot, Regie Olasiman and Antonio Taneo.

A barge that docked at the pier drifted to shore prompting the crew to cut the rope after it hit boxes filled with soft drinks at the pier.