2 motor bancas capsize off Antique; 3 passengers dead, 7 missing

THREE passengers died and seven others were missing after two motor bancas capsized off Antique, the Philippine Coast Guard reported yesterday.

In a statement, the PCG said the motor bancas left Boracay Island for Caluya Island at around 4 a.m. last Monday.

It identified one of the motor bancas as MBCA Ure Mae.

“Three hours later, they encountered big waves and inclement weather, causing the two motor bancas to capsize. They had 20 passengers on board, including the boat captains,” the PCG said.

The PCG said 10 of the passengers were rescued. Two of them drifted to San Jose town in Romblon and swam to the nearest shore to seek assistance.

Three died in the mishap, the PCG said, without giving their names.

Seven are still missing – Christian Aguilar, Vic Florendo, Roel Delloro, Joseph Delloro, Frankie Gajero, Rosauro Delloro and Zaldy Pacis – and are the subject of search and rescue operations.

The PCG said it has immediately launched efforts to “locate and rescue the other (missing) passengers.

“The PCG has advised vessels and fisherfolk transiting the vicinity waters, as well as coastal residents, to report possible sightings of the missing individuals for appropriate responses,” the PCG said.