A motorized boat loaded with around 70 individuals capsized off the waters of Binangonan, Rizal on Thursday afternoon, July 28, after the passengers reportedly panicked when the vessel was hit by strong winds, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
The initial report from the ground revealed that there were 30 fatalities but PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said they have yet to ascertain the total number of deaths since they have also received a different number of casualties from its personnel on the ground.
“For confirmation: 40 individuals rescued and 30 casualties/deaths,” the report obtained by the Manila Bulletin from the PCG initial report stated.
Balilo, on the other hand, said they also received a report that the total number of fatalities is 21.
“The reports on the number of dead are still subject for validation,” said Balilo.
Based on the PCG report, the MBCA Princess Aya was heading towards Talim Island from Binangonan port when it encountered a sudden gust of strong wind some 50 yards away from the shoreline of Barangay Kalinawan at around 1 p.m.
Citing statements from the survivors, Balilo said most of the passengers reportedly panicked and headed towards the left side of the passenger boat.
This caused the passenger boat to capsize, according to Balilo.
While sea travel was suspended in the past few days, sea vessels were allowed to sail after typhoon “Egay” left the country’s area of responsibility, according to Balilo.