ORMOC CITY-Tragedy struck late when a motorboat carrying passengers capsized off the waters in Laoang, Northern Samar on Dec.29, 2024 due to large waves, resulting in the deaths of two elderly passengers while six others survived.
The incident occurred around 11:40 pm in the seawaters off Barangay Rawis, Laoang town.
The victims who drowned were identified as alias “Aura,” 68, a widow from Brgy. Candawid, Laoang, and alias “Lyn,” 50, a single resident of Brgy. Sulitan, Catubig.
The six survivors were identified as alias “Kat,” 16, single, student, resident of Candawid; alias “Mer,” 30, single, canteen helper, resident of Brgy. Sulitan, Catubig; alias “Salve,” 28, house helper, resident of Brgy.Sulitan; alias “Lito,” 58, single, fisherman, resident of Sulitan; alias “Son,” 18, motorboat operator, resident of Rawis; and alias “Win,” 18, motorboat helper, also of Rawis.
The local police reported that at around 3:50 am on December 30, a concerned citizen informed authorities about the incident.
A joint team composed of personnel from the Laoang Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) immediately launched a search, rescue, and retrieval operation.
The bodies of the two fatalities were recovered, and the six survivors were rescued.
An initial investigation revealed that the motorboat, carrying its passengers, departed Rawis at 11:30 pm on December 29, heading toward Batag Island, an island barangay in Laoang. While en route, the motorboat was struck by large waves, causing it to overturn.
Baggage and personal belongings of the passengers, as well as the motorboat, were recovered from the coastal area.
The remains of the victims were brought to the Rural Health Unit of Laoang for a post-mortem examination, while the survivors were taken to Dr. G.B. Tan Hospital for medical evaluation.
(ROBERT DEJON)
