Motorboat sinks off Sula Channel in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY — A motor boat with 15 passengers on board sunk off Sula Channel in Sto. Domingo, Albay after its hull hit a piece of wood while enroute to Rapu-Rapu Island.

Lt. Commander Ricarlito Alivio, Philippine Coast Guard commander based here, identified the motorboat as M/B Glans, which left the city port in Barangay Victory Village loaded with sacks of rice and cases of soft drinks.

Alivio said the motorboat left at around 6 a.m. for the four-hour travel to Rapu-Rapu Island when the passengers heard a loud thud at about 7 a.m.

"I heard a loud thud as if the banca hit a solid object," said councilor Marino Barranda who was one of the passengers. "Then, sea-water immediately rushed inside from the leak."

Upon learning of the accident, Alivio immediately sent a team from the Special Operations Group to rescue the passengers.

Alivio said that the team helped tow the motorboat to the shore in Barangay Sula. — Celso Amo