Masbate vessel sinking: Hopes high for missing passengers

Hopes of finding the 10 missing passengers of the ill-fated ferry that capsized off Dimasalang, Masbate last Tuesday are still high after five more survivors were found by rescuers on nearby islands.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Sodusta, chief of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said there are several islands near Dimasalang town where the missing passengers of MB Don Dexter Cathlyn could have drifted.

The rescue effort has brought the number of survivors to 105.

This, Sodusta said, bolstered their suspicion that the vessel was carrying more passengers than what were listed in its manifest.

“They are still in the area and are continuing search and rescue operations,” he said, adding that rescuers would continue their effort until all the passengers are accounted for.

Sodusta said most of the survivors have not been sent home, as well as the remains of the 42 passengers who died in the sea mishap.

He said the nine injured survivors are in stable condition and recuperating in a local hospital.

He said the municipal government of Dimasalang has provided the necessary assistance to the survivors and the families of the casualties.

Sodusta said Eduardo Yap, owner and operator of the ill-fated vessel, presented himself to the Dimasalang police yesterday.

“He has to face an investigation,” he said.

The vessel’s captain, Dante Bombales, is also in the custody of the local Coast Guard to determine the cause of the incident.

Don Dexter Cathlyn capsized in rough seas shortly after leaving Dimasalang town for Bulan, Sorsogon.

President Arroyo was slated to visit the victims yesterday but canceled her trip as the weather bureau hoisted storm signal No. 1 over the Bicol region due to tropical depression “Quinta.”

Raffy Alejandro, Bicol director of the Office of Civil Defense, told The STAR in a phone interview that everything was in place for the President’s visit but was later put on hold as the low pressure area developed into a tropical depression.

The President was reportedly supposed to distribute cash assistance and personally condole with the victims and families of the casualties.       – With Cet Dematera