5 survive 40 hours adrift after banca capsizes

CEBU, Philippines - Five men survived more than forty hours adrift before being rescued after their motorized banca capsized due to big waves heading to Carcar City from Bohol last Friday afternoon.

They were found clinging to the vessel marked “Rescue 911” which capsized as they were heading to Carcar City from Cuaming Island, Inabanga, Bohol.

Safely rescued by the crew of the LCT Sta. Filomena de Bohol were Barangay Tuyom, Carcar City residents Joval Galera, 45, a pastor; Magno Gabito Jr., 32; Joseph Himodo, 20; and Crisente Lapas, 16, and Toledo City resident Julius Campos, 49, also a pastor. All are members of the East-Side Baptist Church.

The five earlier left Carcar for Cuaming Island last Friday morning and were on their way back in the afternoon when big waves caused their vessel to capsize about 4 p.m.

The five clung to their vessel to save themselves while waiting for help.

On March 12, a cargo vessel passed around 150 meters away from them. Galera said he tried to get their attention and said one of the crew seemed to run to the bridge of the vessel but it continued on its course.

 Yesterday, as the victims were floating between Cabilao Island, Loon, Bohol and Argao, Cebu, a Corsica tanker vessel bound for Iloilo sent a radio message to LCT Sta. Filomena de Bohol, that was about to dock in Cabilao wharf, informing them about the victims.

The crews of the vessel rescued the victims and provided them food and clothing before bringing them to the Taloot Wharf in Argao.

Upon arrival, the victims requested to be taken to Barangay Tuyom rather than to be sent to the hospital.

“Dili naman lang kuno sila magpadala sa ospital kay okay na kuno sila,” Police Officer 2 Rodrigo Teo said.

Police said that victims’ determination kept them alive amidst the huge waves and even without food. — (FREEMAN)