Lt. Arman Balilo, Coast Guard information officer, said the banca, MV Mary Ann, was en route to Merida, Leyte from Camotes Island in Cebu when a huge wave tipped the boat over in the vicinity of Kalunayan Point at about 2 a.m.
On board the banca were Francisco Maratas, the boat’s operator; Fr. Tito Patacsil and his assistant, Noel Serato.
Maratas was reportedly rescued by a passing vessel, MV San Jose, while Pataksil and his helper remained missing as of press time.
Search and rescue operations were still ongoing. — Nestor Etolle, Miriam Garcia Desacada