Seven passengers remain missing from the two motor bancas that capsized in the vicinity waters of Antique on Monday, August 26.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shared that the motor bancas departed from Boracay Island and was on its way to Caluya, Antique when it capsized at around 4:00 AM.
The surviving passengers recalled encountering big waves and strong winds on their way to Antique. Due to this, the two motor bancas capsized.
At the time of the incident, there were 20 passengers on board. 10 of them survived and were rescued, seven remain missing, and three passengers were confirmed dead. Upon further investigation, operatives found that the banca had no permits.
A search-and-rescue (SAR) operation was immediately launched to locate and rescue the 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.
