BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said yesterday the motor bancas involved in two separate sea mishaps off the coasts of Sagay City and San Carlos City on Sunday were not authorized to carry passengers.
Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, station commander of Coast Guard Station Northern Negros Occidental, said a total of 56 people from a local motorcycle club crossed to Sagay City’s Molocaboc Island by chartering five motor bancas in Barangay Cervantes, Escalante City.
Upon their return later in the afternoon, the motor bancas were battered by strong waves off the coast of Barangay Cervantes, Escalante City and Molocaboc Island.
Two of the motor bancas capsized after the waves destroyed their outrigger.
Three of the motor bancas managed to return back safely in Barangay Cervantes, while the 14 others who were left behind in the water were later rescued by the Sagay City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, and the Coast Guard Sub-stations Sagay City and Escalante City.
Mercurio said no one was killed or seriously hurt in the incident, although some of the victims were taken to the hospital after complaining of being cold.
In the San Carlos City mishap, 12 people were rescued after their motor banca also capsized.
Mercurio said initial investigation revealed that the boat encountered a rain squall due to an early afternoon thunderstorm.
However, it was later found out by the Coast Guard Sub-station San Carlos City that the boat was only allowed to operate as a service boat, not carry passengers.
Mercurio instructed the station chiefs of the Coast Guard Sub-stations in Sagay City and San Carlos City to order the involved boat operators to submit affidavits.
He also stated that he will summon the involved boat operators to his office in Bacolod City.
It is possible that the PCG will file charges against the involved motor bancas as they were operating as colorums./PN
