Motorboat sinks off Albay; owner dead

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – A boat owner died when the vessel capsized off Rapu-Rapu in Albay on Saturday afternoon.

The M/B Therese, owned by Teodolo Agarin, 89, was carrying 94 passengers and 12 crewmembers when it sank at around 3:30 p.m. off the coast of Barangay Bogtong, according to Bicol police spokesman Senior Inspector Malou Calubaquib.

Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard led by Petty Officer 1 Ator Cuator, along with members of the local police and civilian volunteers, rescued the passengers and crewmembers.

Investigation showed the boat was sailing to Rapu-Rapu from Legazpi City when seawater seeped through the back portion of the passenger’s area.

The passengers moved to the roof as the boat started to sink. Agarin was reportedly trapped in the hull.

“He was unconscious when crewmembers pulled him from the boat,” said Calubaquib.

Rescuers rushed Agarin to the Rapu-Rapu District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Boy, 8, drowns in Camarines

Meanwhile, in Camarines Norte, an eight-year-old boy from Metro Manila drowned during a family excursion in Jose Panganiban town on Saturday.

The family of Denver de Guzman of Caloocan City reportedly failed to notice that he had gone to a deeper part of the waters off Calalanay Beach in Barangay Salvacion. – With Francis Elevado