SHIP SINKS OFF TABLAS ISLAND
Yofe Masangcay
Looc, Romblon. - Two people were killed while seven others were missing when an unregistered inter-island ferry sank in rough waters off Tablas Island in Romblon Tuesday night.
The ferry M/V Sea Gold, was carrying about fourty passengers when it capsized due to huge waves, coast guard officials said. Most of the passengers were teenagers on their way to youth camp.One of the fatalities, Nemisio Burogs, 36, a crew of the responding ship M/V Sunny Rose, died when he was hit by a life boat.Rescue teams of the Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority continued conducting sea patrols using newly commisioned BRP Edsa II and BRP Kalinga in their search for survivors."We are holding a round-the-clock rescue mission near Tablas Island to find the remaining passengers," Rear Admiral Ruben S. Lista said.Lista said rescuers picked up 28 survivors, who were rushed to the Batangas Medical Center. They were identified as Charlie Madrid, Felixberto Pamarin Jr., Dennis Madrid, Benjun de la Pena, Clifford Tugade, Matthew Reloda, Mark Anthony Banaga, Christian Makagaling, EdwinFontanoza, Marlowe Pabonan, Franklin Pabriga, Regenald Federico, Alvin Fonar, Ruben Parekilia, Judy Ann Pamilaran, Catherine Seficio, Mary Ann Padiranua, Diano Pariga, Sandy Pamela Alconis, Floralyn Padera, Michelle Concepcion, Noralyn Peryanco, Melanie Mercado, Mona Montarosa, Arlene Faliarme, Iris Padarogan and Moises Canlas.According to Petty Officer I Jaime Politang, spokesman for the 5th Coast Guard District, the rescued passengers are being attended to in Batangas after rescuers fished them off in the shark-infested waters off Romblon and Oriental Mindoro provinces.The boat left Maestra de Ocampo Island at dawn Monday for Looc town in Romblon Province, but it capsized and sank about two hours later in Tablas Strait, about 220 kilometers (138 miles) south of Manila.The latest sea accident prompted the Transportation Department to warn ship operators to inspect cargoes and avoid overloading of passengers.