Friday, March 28, 2008

13 missing as boat capsizes in Davao del Sur

By Ronron
March 28, 2008

Thirteen people, including two infants and two toddlers, went missing since Wednesday after the pump boat they were riding off Sarangani province in Davao del Sur province capsized due to rough seas.

According to a report of the Region XI Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), the sea mishap happened at around 3pm of March 26, involving motorized banca “Judi Ann.” The victims remain missing as of Friday evening.

The report said the vessel, loaded with 14 persons including the operator, was sailing from Barangay Camalig to Barangay Camual, both of Sarangani Municipality, located on Sarangani Island.

The passengers of the ill-fated vessel were supposedly going to attend a wedding at Barangay Camual.

Because of big waves allegedly caused by strong winds, the pump boat capsized at the vicinity of two nautical miles off Barangay Camalig.

Of the 14 people aboard it, only one survived, identified as Ranilo Ulivo, 26, who swam his way to the shore and reported the incident to authorities.

The 13 others missing were identified as Alandro de Arce, Sr., 37, the boat operator; Judith de Arce, 37; Alandro de Arce, 18; Dianne de Arce, 16; Nene Kiawan, 55; Edna Kiawan, 39; Jeffrey Kiawan, 13; Remart Kiawan 4; Dennis Kiawan, 1; Ambert Kiawan, 11; Jennifer Galas, 21; Morjone Galas, 3; and, Jayjay Galas, eight-months-old.

The RDCC report said search and rescue attempts in the area by Coast Guard elements and local fishing boasts are occasionally hampered by big waves due to prevailing bad weather.

The RDCC said the Philippine Air Force had already been tapped to join the search and rescue operations./DMS

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