Fishermen Rescued After Motor Banca Capsizes Near Guimaras Shore
ILOILO CITY – Late in the evening of March 24, 2023, a motor banca carrying a cargo of fish capsized in the middle of the sea, near the shores of Guimaras Straight and Parola Wharf.
According to Lieutenant Junior Grade Krizandra Angeline Anico, Commanding Officer of the Guimaras Coast Guard, they received a call from a concerned citizen about the incident at around 9:50 pm.
The motor banca, which originated from Iloilo Fishing Port, was carrying 10 passengers, including the crew, and a load of 30 tubs of fish. They were on their way to Buenavista in Guimaras province.
The passengers were identified as Cristy Natonton, 38, from Barangay Getulio; Julie Ann Gabito, 30, from New Poblacion; Almar Maravilla, 38, also from New Poblacion; Rogem Gonzales, 44, from Tastasan; Franklin Empedrado, 28, from San Roque; Francisco Fernandez, 38, from Sto. Rosario; and an unidentified person from Buenavista, Guimaras. Meanwhile, the four crew members remain unnamed.
According to Anico, the collision with a solid object caused the motor banca to capsize. The passengers and crew were immediately rescued and brought to safety by nearby fiber boats.
