"Overloaded" boat capsizes: Two dead, 17 others survive

PANGLAO, BOHOL, Philippines — Two died while 17 others survived, including three minors, when the motor boat, Spirit of Norway Elay, capsized near the marine sanctuary off Balicasag island of this town, a report of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) based in Tagbilaran City stated yesterday.

In a PCG report obtained by The Freeman, the identities of the fatalities were Felisa Banga, 43, a resident of Calape town and Paula Lood, 68, of Dauis town.

The survivors were Hazel Mijos, 22 of Panglao, Paulita Lofranco, 59, Hilaria Justal, 57, Anita Lodona, 45, and Letlet Anota, 29---all of Inabanga town, three minors (a 2-year-old boy, 14- and 17-year old boys), Gina Cua, 23, Zenaida Cua, 46, and Lilia Gumisad, 43---all of Calape town, Jupiter Campos, 28, and Gloria Dominisac, 50, both of Tagbilaran City, and Mario Alforque, 49, and Herculana Agunod, 58, both of Cortes town.

The crew members, who also survived, were identified as Marvin Guioguio, who allegedly acted as boat captain and Jerry Navarro, both of Panglao.

The cause of the boat sinking was "overloading," said the PCG report, adding that Guioguio was operating his boat "without pertinent documents" that may cause him and his crew to face charges.

Initial investigation of the PCG showed that the boat left Balicasag overloaded with passengers and without passing through "pre-departure inspection."

PCG men, based in Panglao island, said the "unconscious victims were declared dead on arrival at Barangay Poblacion of this town by municipal health officer Juleta Cogo.

The PCG learned of the sinking incident near the marine sanctuary via an information relayed by an island resident, Derik Paculaba.

The island of Balicasag, said to be one of the best dive sites in the world, celebrated its annual fiesta the other day, said a source from the place. (FREEMAN)