By CESAR JOLITO III

Eleven passengers from Negros Occidental’s Bago City were safely rescued after a motorbanca capsized in the Guimaras Strait on Friday afternoon, May 15.

The Coast Guard Substation in Pulupandan said the vessel was en route from Bantayan Park in Bago City to San Lorenzo town in Guimaras when it encountered strong waves while crossing waters near Barangay Calumangan.

Initial investigation showed that the boat was carrying passengers who were traveling to attend a burial when it was hit by rough sea conditions, causing it to capsize.

The Philippine Coast Guard conducted rescue operations immediately, using motor bancas and tugboats from community support partners.

All 11 passengers were successfully retrieved.

Six were transported back to Bantayan Park aboard a motor banca, where they received immediate assistance from the Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental – Bacolod City Chapter.

The remaining five were brought to Bredco Port in Bacolod via tugboat and later assisted by a Bago City ambulance for medical evaluation.

All rescued passengers were in stable condition.

A boat crew member reported that the vessel may have capsized after its outrigger booms were cut during the incident, though this remains subject to further verification.

Bago City Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao commended the quick response of rescuers and volunteers, citing their “courage, rapid response and unwavering commitment” in saving lives during the emergency./CJ, WDJ