Couple dead in sea mishap

Two passengers of a motor banca, both in their 80s, were killed when the vessel capsized off Cebu amid bad weather last Tuesday afternoon, the Coast Guard said yesterday.

Lt. S/G Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said the fatalities, Magdaleno Mara­nan, 80, and his wife Victoria, 85, were among the 43 passengers of motor banca Ave Maria 5 that sank while en route to Poro Island from Mandaue City.

Investigation showed the vessel, which had 20 crewmen, suffered cracks and holes in its hull as it was pounded by huge waves and strong winds.

With the help of the Philippine Navy, the Coast Guard was able to rescue the 61 other passengers and crewmembers. – Edu Punay