Death toll from New Year’s Day sinking in Iloilo rises

The death toll from the sinking of a motor banca off Carles in Iloilo rose to six Tuesday, with the recovery of the body of one of the passengers.

 

Survivor Jeramil Besonia said authorities spotted the remains of Vincent Bartolome at the shore of Naburot Island in Carles, GMA Iloilo's Nenita Hobilla reported Wednesday.

 

Eleven people were aboard the banca when it capsized last New Year's Day. At least five were initially reported killed in the tragedy.

 

The passengers were on their way back toward Barangay Asluman after a New Year outing when their vessel encountered big waves.

 

Meanwhile, Carles police are investigating reports that two more bodies were found in Lutayan in Roxas City, but could not get to the area due to bad weather and big waves. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News