(UPDATE) 3 dead as boat sinks off Iloilo

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Three children died as a motorboat sank off Iloilo on Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said today.

The sea mishap took place while the family of Reynaldo Bartolome, 53, boat owner and operator, was on its way home to North Gigante Island in Carles, Iloilo after spending the New Year's eve in nearby Nabunut Island.

The PCG said that the unregistered wooden motor boat with 11 people on board, including Bartolome, encountered big waves and strong winds, causing it to capsize with three children dead and other three missing.

Bartolome was able to seek help after swimming for two hours.

The four other members of the family who survived were admitted in a hospital for treatment, the PCG said.