Philippine Coast Guard personnel rescue survivors found clinging to the keel of the capsized motorboat San Agustin IV off Liwagao Island in Caluya, Antique, on Sunday, Sept. 6. Eight people were rescued while one person was reported dead. Courtesy: Philippine Coast Guard.
Eight people were rescued and one person was reported dead after a motorboat capsized near Liwagao Island in Caluya, Antique, the Philippine Coast Guard said Sunday.
The PCG found the overturned San Agustin IV off Barangay Sibulo at around 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 6 after launching a search for the vessel, which had failed to reach its destination.
The motorboat had departed Semirara Port in Antique on Sept. 5 and was headed for Barangay Caminawit in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Its owner contacted authorities after the vessel did not arrive as expected and communication with its crew could not be established.
Coast Guard Sub-Station San Jose subsequently deployed a search and rescue team in waters near San Jose. Authorities also coordinated with their counterparts in Semirara and alerted vessels operating nearby to watch for the missing boat.
Search teams eventually spotted the capsized vessel near Liwagao Island despite difficult weather and sea conditions. Several people were found holding onto the boat’s keel while awaiting rescue.
The survivors were taken to Pinagpala Port in Barangay Semirara, where they underwent medical evaluation and received assistance in coordination with local disaster response personnel. The PCG reported one casualty but did not immediately provide further details about the person who died.
Coast Guard personnel in Semirara later began towing the overturned motorboat toward Semirara Island using the tugboat Jun Yeu.
The PCG advised mariners to monitor weather and sea conditions and ensure vessels are properly equipped before leaving port, particularly during periods of unfavorable weather.