14 passengers rescued after boat sinks in Cavite

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued 14 passengers from a boat that was originally a fishing vessel that sank in the waters off Ternate, Cavite.

According to Emil Sumangil’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, passengers said they were on their way to Ternate town from Naic, Cavite, when weather conditions suddenly worsened.

Coast Guard Station Commander Captain Charity Copiaco said the boat captain told them that strong winds caused the boat to sink.

Upon receiving a report from passing vessels, the Coast Guard Station Cavite deployed personnel to rescue the passengers.

Vessels that were nearby also assisted in the rescue.

The affected passengers were brought to the hospital for treatment and are in good condition.

According to the PCG, the motorbanca lacked proper documentation and was not registered as a tourist or passenger boat.

Copiaco said fishing boats are usually used as passenger or tourist boats during off-peak fishing season, but she maintained that it still needs to be registered in the Maritime Industry Authority.

She added that overloading was also evident in the incident, as the boat was supposed to carry only ten passengers.

Authorities are investigating the boat captain and the owner of the vessel.

GMA Integrated News is reaching out to them for comments.— Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News