Coast Guard Rescues 20 Passengers of Capsized Motor Boat in Samar

Philippine Coast Guard stationed in Catbalogan City rescued a sinking motor boat en route to Catbalogan City from the municipality of Daram, Samar, April 13.

The said vessel was loaded with 20 passengers including children aged one to four years old.

Abegail Varona, one of the passengers, said big waves hit and destroyed parts of the motor boat upon reaching the waters near Darahuway Daku Island.

Initial reports showed that the motor boat was small and overloaded, and was only allowed to carry eight to 10 passengers.

Coast Guard PO2 Amichalous Go also stressed the motor boat operator did not seek permission to board from the Philippine Coast Guard.

The overloaded motor boat left Daram at around 4:30 p.m. and sank at around 6:30 in the evening.

All passengers were rescued an hour after the incident. (JNPD/GMT/report from Rene Castino/PIA8)