Survivors of Aparri boat sinking in state of shock

TUGUEGARAO CITY – They were fortunate to have survived the country’s latest sea tragedy but the horrible experience of survivors from the sunken ferry boat M/B Mae Jan has rendered them speechless.

Ballesteros town police chief Senior Inspector Alex de los Santos said many of the survivors, including children and the elderly, have already been released for medical examination after undergoing stress therapy in their station.

“The victims could not relate their experiences to our men since the extent of the shock they experienced had rendered them speechless. Most of them did not expect to undergo this traumatic experience,” said De los Santos.

Earlier reports have indicated that a number of survivors have been rushed to the nearest hospital where they are now recuperating, particularly from trauma.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, 23 were confirmed dead, 31 missing and 44 rescued from the ferry boat that sank off the coast of Aparri town the other day.

Some reports have said that there were 96 people recorded on board the ill-fated motorized wooden boat. This however differed from the accounts by police of the number of passengers on the boat which according to their reckoning reached 100, including the 44 survivors.

Coast Guard sources have said the boat sank due to overloading since its maximum capacity was only good for 50 people.

An investigation would also be made by the Board of Marine Inquiry about the cause of the accident.

Elements of the Philippine Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard as well as local authorities have helped in the search and rescue operations.

Quoting reports from his men in the area, Cagayan Police director Senior Superintendent Moro Lazo said the wooden boat, originating from its usual route in Calayan island town here, capsized due to heavy waves while on its way to Aparri port, some two hours from this capital city.

In the partial list obtained from Cagayan Valley police director Chief Superintendent Roberto Damian, the survivors were identified as Elbino Dalumay, Ruben Simon, Ernie Vatica, Andres Benigno, Violeta Alejo, Federico Dwuero, Mac Tayag, Ronie Tabua, Jesi Robles, Danilo Maciraya, Lino Navarro, Clemencio Maddela, Marlon Malago, Ronel Sugitan, Limwel Viernes, Orlino Navarro, Eli Sacayanan, William Espiritu, Jomar Boyson and Ofelia Fernando.

Remigio Torado, Agnes Enova, Ronie Viernes, Francisco Llopis, Jery Ona, Juliard Paya, Danilo Duerne, Maricar Viernes, Emmanuel Viernes, Junior Nonis, Roger Basul, Leonard Viernes, Reni Vidal, Johnpaul Balmores, Jimmy Orel, Roel Viernes, Frederick Viernes, Edwin Espiritu, Domingo Ragon, May Manalo, Arceli Scalante, Madelyn Maddela, Enrique Viernes, Albert Tan also survived the tragedy.

The fatalities, meantime, include Ofelia Manero, Winfredo Agarpao, Angel Suarez, Crispin Cangas, Mark Escalante, Lalaine Allado, Leonardo Llopis, Marilou Menor, Abena Arellano, Amy Arellano, Eva Llopis, Asela Tabua and Bella Llopis.