Fishermen rescue 16 as boat sinks off Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY — Local fishermen rescued 16 people, including 15 Department of Education (DepEd) personnel, who struggled in rough seas for about 30 to 40 minutes after their motorized boat sank off Getafe, Bohol, shortly after noon on Friday, Oct. 23.

The white motorized banca “Laila” sank near Nasingin Island after strong winds and big waves hit the vessel as it returned to mainland Getafe from Barangay Jagoliao, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Getafe.

The PCG said the passengers reportedly floated in the water and called for help until local fishermen spotted them and rushed to their aid. Another motorized banca, “IVAN,” also helped rescue the passengers, who were safely brought to the Getafe port.

READ: 7 rescued as boat sinks off Bohol and Southern Leyte

The boat operator remained aboard the sinking vessel and was later rescued by PCG personnel, who arrived to assist in the operation.

One of the passengers, an adult woman, lost consciousness and was brought by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to Dagohoy Memorial Hospital in Inabanga for medical attention. She was later referred to Holy Name University Medical Center in Tagbilaran City for further treatment. Her condition was reported to be stable.

The DepEd personnel had attended the turnover ceremony of a classroom building funded by the TORM Foundation for Jagoliao Elementary School.

The PCG said the group used two motorized bancas to travel to the island but took only one vessel for the return trip to the mainland.

The boat carried 15 passengers and one operator, exceeding its estimated capacity of 10 people. The passengers were also reportedly not wearing life jackets.

The sea suddenly turned rough as the banca sailed toward the mainland, causing it to sink.

Local fishermen were the first to assist the passengers before PCG personnel arrived. /mcm