CALAPAN CITY, Philippines — A sea journey from Antique to Occidental Mindoro turned tragic after a motorboat capsized off Liwagao Island in Caluya, Antique, leaving one person dead and eight others rescued by authorities.
The incident involving the MB San Agustin IV unfolded after the vessel failed to reach its expected destination in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, prompting its owner to alert the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) when communication with the boat could no longer be established.
The motorboat had departed Semirara Port in Antique on September 5 and was bound for Barangay Caminawit in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, according to the PCG and reports from multiple Philippine news organizations.
Survivors found clinging to capsized boat
The Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) San Jose immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation after receiving the report.
Despite difficult weather and sea conditions, rescuers located the overturned San Agustin IV near Barangay Sibulo, Liwagao Island, Caluya, Antique, at around 6:30 a.m. on September 6.
What rescuers found was a desperate fight for survival.
Several people were seen clinging to the keel of the capsized vessel, allowing rescuers to locate and pull them to safety.
Eight survivors were subsequently brought to Pinagpala Port in Barangay Semirara for medical evaluation and further assistance. The operation was carried out with the assistance of CGSS Semirara and the local Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
The Philippine Coast Guard later confirmed that one person died in the incident. Philippine Star reported that the fatality was a woman, while initial reports from other outlets did not immediately release her identity or other personal details.
Vessel towed toward Semirara
Following the rescue, CGSS Semirara personnel aboard MTUG Jun Yeu began towing the capsized motorboat toward Semirara Island.
Authorities also coordinated with nearby maritime traffic during the search and rescue effort, particularly because of the challenging sea conditions reported in the area.
The incident highlights the risks faced by passengers and crews traveling between island communities, particularly when sea and weather conditions deteriorate.
The PCG reminded maritime operators and passengers to exercise extreme caution, closely monitor weather and sea conditions, and ensure that vessels are properly equipped and prepared before sailing.
What happened to the vessel?
Authorities have confirmed that the San Agustin IV capsized, but available reports have not established a definitive cause of the incident.
Reports consistently cited challenging weather and sea conditions during the search operation. However, it would be premature to conclude that weather alone caused the vessel to capsize until authorities complete their assessment.
The PCG’s response began after the boat failed to arrive at its destination and its owner reported the loss of communication. The subsequent search eventually led rescuers to the overturned vessel and the survivors holding onto its keel.
The tragedy comes amid continued maritime safety concerns in the Philippines, where inter-island travel remains essential for communities separated by hundreds of islands.
For the eight people rescued off Liwagao Island, the search ended in survival. For one passenger, however, the journey ended in tragedy.
This story will be updated as authorities release additional information about the fatality, the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, and the condition of the vessel.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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