1 Dead, 26 Rescued in Separate Boat Sinkings in Antique, Cagayan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard yesterday confirmed that a woman died and eight others survived after their boat capsized off Liwagao Island in Antique, as the PCG in Cagayan reported having rescued 18 people from a boat that sank off Calayan town. In a statement, the PCG said that its sub-station in San Jose, Oriental Mindoro conducted a search-and-rescue operation after the owner of MB San Agustin IV reported that the boat failed to make it to its destination. The boat departed from Semirara Port in Antique and was headed for Barangay Caminawit in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. The boat owner sought PCG assistance after failing to contact the boat crew when the vessel did not reach port. Despite the challenging weather and sea conditions, the PCG rescue team located San Agustin IV off Barangay Sibulo, Liwagao Island in Caluya. The rescue team reported seeing people clinging to the boat’s keel when they arrived. In Cagayan, the Calayan PCG station reported having rescued 18 people – seven crewmembers and 11 passengers – after the MB Geri Ann became half-submerged on Saturday. The PCG launched its search and rescue team, along with other rescue units, after receiving a boat-in-distress call. The rescuers found the Geri Ann 4.6 nautical miles off Barangay Magsidel.