Yacht capsizes; Three men rescued

CEBU, Philippines - Three men were rescued after the yacht they were riding capsized while they were navigating rough seas from Dumaguete City to Siquijor island last Tuesday.

The boat’s captain, Paulo Surmeon, 25, and his crewmen, Emeliano Sumagang, 50, and Jaboy Sumagang, 33, were rescued by the Oslob Police and Bantay Dagat members after they were spotted floating off Barangay Pungtod around 10:40 a.m. last Tuesday. 

The yacht is reportedly owned by Coco Grove Beach Resort in Tubod, San Juan, Siquijor.

Oslob Police chief Insp. Christopher Castro said residents of Barangay Pungtod who spotted the three men floating at sea with the yacht immediately sought the help of the police and Bantay Dagat personnel.

Castro said the yacht departed from Siquijor early morning on Tuesday to bring a foreign guest to Dumaguete City and was heading back to the island when it encountered big waves and capsized. Strong currents brought the victims and the yacht close to Cebu island at the vicinity of Oslob.

“Wala na sila kabalik sa Siquijor kay napadpad na padung Oslob (They failed to return to Siquijor because strong currents pushed them to Oslob),” Castro said.

“Niabay ra sila sa yati unya nagpa-utaw-utaw kay nakaob ra man (The three men held on to the yacht that remained afloat after capsizing),” Castro added. — (FREEMAN)