By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Seven people were rescued Tuesday afternoon after the boat they were riding capsized off the coast of Manapla, Negros Occidental.

Based on reports released by Manapla municipal police, the boat, identified as the M/V Fantasy, which originated from the town of Culasi, Iloilo, was heading toward Manapla, when, around  two kilometers from the town’s shoreline, the boat’s balancer, or ‘katig,’ detached due to large waves in the area.

The boat then capsized, prompting passengers and crew to jump out.

Several fishermen happened to be in the area and immediately rescued the seven passengers and crew.

The capsized boat was later towed to the shoreline by the fishermen./DGB, WDJ