Eighty-nine passengers, including 10 children, and five crew members were rescued and brought to the shoreline of Barangay Ilijan in Simara Island, Romblon. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — Government and rescuers responded swiftly to a distress call from a motorbanca, resulting in the successful rescue of more than 90 passengers during a maritime accident in Tablas Strait near Corcuera, Romblon on August 6, 2023.
Corcuera Mayor Elmer Fruelda reported the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), along with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Provincial Government of Romblon and other volunteers, immediately rushed to the area where MBCA King Sto. Niño 7 submerged.
“Initial report of the responder — PCG responded quickly — boats that were there, and other volunteers who helped each other to save the passengers. The rescuers will be there in about half an hour,” Fruelda told CNN Philippines on Saturday.
According to initial reports from the PCG, the incident occurred when MBCA King Sto. Niño 7 departed Calatrava Port around 11 am and was hit by a solid piece of wood on its port side, causing the vessel to take on water.
Eighty nine (89) passengers, including 10 children, and five crew members were rescued and brought to the shoreline of Barangay Ilijan. Only three individuals sustained minor injuries.
Government and rescuers responded swiftly to a distress call from a motorbanca, resulting in the successful rescue of more than 90 passengers during a maritime accident in Tablas Strait near Corcuera, Romblon on August 6, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
The PCG confirmed one death toll from the passengers— a 55-year-old woman who suffered cardiac arrest. She was immediately taken to the Malapayon District Hospital. In an Interview with PIA Romblon, Governor Jose Riano said that the Provincial Government will provide P25,000 worth of initial assistance to the family. Another P50,000 will also be given by the Local Government of Corcuera.
Karl Moreno, the son of the motorbanca’s owner, issued an apology to the passengers and promised assistance. “We did not intend for any of this to happen. I sincerely apologize for the unfortunate events, especially to those who lost a loved one. Rest assured that we will do everything we can to offer help and support,” Moreno said in an interview with Mata ng Bayan Online. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa – Romblon)
