2 boats sink off Antique; 3 die, 7 missing

MANILA, Philippines — Three people died while seven others were missing when two motorized boats capsized in the waters off Caluya Island in Antique on Monday.

Search and rescue operations have been ongoing for three days now, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

The PCG said the boats, one of which was identified as MB Ure Mae, departed the island of Boracay at around 4 a.m.

The boats, which had 20 people on board, including the skippers, reportedly sailed toward Caluya Island.

After three hours of sailing, big waves and strong winds battered the boats until the vessels capsized, the PCG said.

Two survivors said the current carried them to San Jose town in Romblon, where they were able to swim to the shore and sought assistance.

The PCG along with the local police and  members of local disaster management council conducted a search and rescue mission for the missing passengers.

Vessels and fisherfolk sailing near the area where the incident occurred as well as residents of nearby coastal communities have been urged to report to authorities any possible sighting of the missing people. ­