6 die, 3 missing as boat sinks in Zambales lake
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — Six people died while three others were reported missing after a motorized boat capsized in a lake in San Marcelino, Zambales on Thursday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.
The PCG said the fatalities and the missing victims included minors and a pregnant woman, while four survived.
A search and rescue operation was launched for the missing passengers, PCG spokesperson Cmdre. Noemie Cayabyab said.
Reports said the victims, who are members of an indigenous peoples’ group, were on their way home from a health center in Barangay Buhawen where a vaccination activity was conducted.
They were among 13 passengers of the boat that was battered by strong winds as they were crossing the Mapanuepe Lake.
“The travel usually takes 20 to 30 minutes as the area is remote,” Cayabyab said.
Divers from the PCG, Philippine National Police, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office joined the search for the missing victims.— Bella Cariaso
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