12 rescued in Masbate sea mishap

LEGAZPI CITY — Nine passengers and three crewmen of a wooden-hulled motorized banca were rescued after the vessel capsized off Cawayan, Masbate Wednesday night, police said.

Superintendent Pio Nuñez Aban, Masbate police director, said the motorboat was buffeted by giant waves and strong winds spawned by the southwest monsoon as it was heading toward Barangay Divisoria in Cawayan town from Nabuktut Island.

Last May 12, M/B Mae Ann 5 sank near the Masbate City port, leaving 28 people dead and seven others missing. Eighteen people were rescued. — Celso Amo