4 die in another sea mishap

LEGAZPI CITY — Four people drowned while four others sustained injuries in another sea mishap in the region Wednesday morning, the Regional Disaster and Coordinating Council said.

Chief Superintendent Jaime Lasar, who chairs the council, said a wooden outrigger boat, Sto. Niño, capsized off Barangay Daraonak in Pasacao, Camarines Sur at about 8:30 a.m. after huge waves and strong winds battered it while cruising Ragay Gulf.

The boat had 24 passengers and crewmembers. The survivors, Lasar said, were able to endure the rough seas for 28 hours before they were rescued.

Lasar identified the four fatalities as three-year-old Ralph Philip Pacot, Menardo Mansanido and Fislang Acumbre, all of San Pascual, Masbate; and Am-am Kabitan, of Mandaon, Masbate.

Those injured were Raquel Pacot, Monet Pastrano, Bert Mansalido and Marites Mansalido. They were brought to the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City for treatment.

Renato Arevalo, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense, said two other passengers were missing.

Inspector Amado Montaña, Minalabac police chief, said the plastic ropes fastening the boat’s outrigger gave way and the outrigger eventually broke up.

Last Wednesday afternoon, another outrigger boat, Regina 1, capsized off Tinco Point in Sorsogon while en route to Masbate. One of its crewmembers drowned, while three of its 40 passengers were injured.