Pump boat capsizes; 12 passengers saved

CEBU, Philippines - At least 12 passengers were rescued by fishermen when the pump boat they were riding capsized in the seawater off Gilutongan Channel in Cordova town Sunday afternoon.

The boat was headed for barangay Poblacion in Cordova from barangay Gilutongan, an islet several meters away from the mainland, when the incident happened.

Rescued were Crisalda Arong, 51; Delia Pindang, 39; Reymart Pindang, 4; Lilian Nacua, 44; Vicenta Premacio, 44; Rodrigo Gabriel, 49; Florafe Taneo, 14; Rose Sagarino, 28; Genalyn Primacio, 23; Christine Menguito, 20; Ryan Angco, 14, and boat operator, Anolito Arong, 30.

Desk officer SPO1 Danny Alburo said big waves hit the boat while it was sailing in Gilutongan Channel causing it to capsize.

The passengers went home after being rescued. “Gipapauli ra sila dayun balik sa ilaha human sila mahatod sa mananagat,” he said.  (FREEMAN)