Fluvial parade smooth  despite vessel sinking

Despite a slight drizzle and with the exception of a motorized banca that capsized at the Ouano Wharf, yesterday’s fluvial parade was the smoothest fluvial procession in recent years, police said.

Devotees braved the rain to witness the Holy Child being brought back to the Basilica del Sto. Niño from Mandaue City.

Police estimated those waiting in Mandaue City alone to be at least 10,000.

At the Ouano Wharf, dozens of red and white balloons, with pieces of paper bearing prayers and wishes for a good life were released into the sky as the fleet of decorated boats was sent off around 6:30 a.m. to the sound firecrackers, ships’ bullhorns, drums, sirens and cheers.

Two Air Force helicopters from Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base and a civilian private plane flew over to showered petals on the flotilla, which included motorized bancas, passenger boats, yachts, barges and fastcraft.

The image of the Sto. Niño, placed in glass surrounded by flowers, sailed on board a replica galleon.

But not every one of the 120 seacraft registered to join the fluvial procession made it to the destination, Pier 1 in Cebu City.

Before the parade, the M/B Somewhere owned by Tessie Santos of barangay Biasong, Talisay City, started taking on water due to a hole.

Philippine Coast Guard-Cebu Station reported no one was hurt in the incident as several rescue boats escorting the fleet immediately came to the rescue and brought the boat’s passengers and crew to safety.

PO3 Clark Elmer Bajenteng of the Coast Guard said that all of those aboard the boat were relatives and devotees of the Sr. Sto. Niño.

They were identified as Amy Santos, 20; Joyie Mendez, 31; Freston Santos, seven; Feliz Oruga, 52; Wilson Santos, 28; Wenesan Claire Santos, four; Paul Gaceres, 60; Ricardo Otanda, 15; Cristine Santos, 11; Hermie Santos, four; Mica Santos, 13; Cecily Garcia, 15; Cristine Garcia Santos, 14; Nikki del Rosario, 14; Sheena del Rosario, 11; Ronald del Rosario, 41; Thea Santos, two and Maricar Santos, 31, all from Biasong, Talisay City.

The Coast Guard is now investigating the incident as some of the passengers claimed they saw a kuwitis firecracker hit the rear of the boat before the seawater started rushing, sinking the vessel.

But aside from that incident, Coast Guard, Maritime and ports officials did not get reports of any mix-up in the formation of the flotilla or any collisions among the participating vessels.

Nearing Pier 1 more flag-waving devotees who lined the sides of Mactan Channel for a glimpse of the Holy Child.

Among the dancers waiting on the shore at Pier 1 were consistent Sinulog award winners Val and Ofelia Sandiego, who, though teary-eyed, kept dancing as an offering.

Some of the devotees arrived at the Cebu City pier as early as 1 a.m. to secure advantageous positions.

The fleet arrived in Pier 1 around 9 a.m.  — Jasmin R.Uy, Flor Z. Perolina  and Edwin Ian Melecio/BRP