Search for two missing in boat sinking widens

The search for the two missing passengers of the motorized boat that sank last Wednesday night off Kawit, Pilar, Camotes Island, killing three people including a baby, has expanded to the neighboring coastal barangays of the island.

Pilar Vice Mayor Rommel Tajo said the ill-fated M/B Anton II has been retrieved but Edgar dela Cruz and Warly Godinez Jr. are nowhere to be found.  Tajo admitted that because of the time that has lapsed since the disaster their chances of survival are very slim.

Tajo said the sunken boat was salvaged off barangay Kawit by the residents in the area who helped in the search and rescue operation.

Tajo said that they have requested the residents of the neighboring coastal barangays of Camotes Island to help them in the search for the missing passengers.  As of press time, Dela Cruz and the 10-year-old Godinez have yet to be found.  They were among the 13 passengers of the M/B Anton from Danao City heading to Camotes to spend All Souls’ Day.  However, the boat capsized while maneuvering to dock because of strong winds.

Three passengers were killed while six others were rescued including the 15 members of the crew.  The fatalities were identified as Eleonor Tikling, 31, of Lanao, Pilar; Lisa Cabillo Godinez, 32, of barangay Monserat, and 10-month old Edcel dela Cruz.

The boat’s captain Elmer Gocela was allegedly trying to maneuver after staying afloat for about 10 minutes because they could not immediately dock as there was another boat in the berthing area when strong winds caused the boat to drift away and eventually tipped it over. — Fred P. Languido/BRP