Survivor recalls cries for help of passengers trapped in capsized boat

A survivor of M/B Princess Aya which capsized off the waters of Binangonan, Rizal said cries for help of the other passengers continue to haunt him, according to Jonathan Andal's report on "24 Oras."

“Saklolo! Tulungan niyo kami. ‘Yung sigaw nila sa loob na na-trap. Para bang maawa kami. Gustuhin ko man, putol naman ang paa ko, ano ang maitutulong ko?” Antonio Mendoza said.

Mendoza, a person with disability, survived the incident but got a black eye and a wound on his forehead.

“Ang nangyari po talaga, tumagilid ang bangka at ang tao, sa bandang kaliwa doon nagpuntahan ang tao. Walang tao sa bandang kanan ng bangka at ang unang pinalubog ng buhawi ay puwetan ng bangka. Doon nagsimula na lumubog,” he said.

When the boat tilted and eventually capsized, Mendoza said some passengers were trapped under the canvass used for rain protection.

Passengers pushed each other down to try to get above the water, he said.

“Lumangoy ako, sumisid ako. Ito ang unang tumama. Sabi ko bahala na basta mabuhay ako,” he said, pointing to his head.

Meanwhile, Sergio Gondraneos said three of his relatives survived the tragedy, but four others died.

"Napakasakit po sa amin na nangyari. Ngayon lang po namin naranasan ito na talagang di namin lubos maisip na nangyari ito sa aming pamangkin. Buti may naka-survive sa amin,” he said.

Until Friday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard and fishermen are still conducting rescue and retrieval operations.

Based on the latest data from the Binangonan Municipal Risk and Reduction Management Council, the death toll from the incident is now at 27, while 43 were rescued.

M/B Princess Aya left the Port of Binangonan on Thursday and was en route to Talim Island when fierce winds hit it. It was allowed to sail since the storm signals due to Typhoon Egay had been lifted.

The captain earlier said the boat can accommodate only 42 passengers.  It sailed, however, with 70 people.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News