Culture & Entertainment · Philippines Bureau
Fishermen rescue 16 from sinking boat off Bohol coast
Local fishermen pulled 16 people to safety after a motorized banca capsized in rough seas near Getafe, Bohol on Friday. The rescued group included 15 Department of Education personnel who spent roughly half an hour in the water.
LSN Philippines ·
TAGBILARAN CITY — Quick action by fishermen in the area prevented a potential tragedy when a motorized banca carrying education officials went down off the coast of Getafe, Bohol, on Friday afternoon.
The white vessel, identified as the "Laila," sank near Nasingin Island shortly after noon on October 23 after being caught in strong winds and heavy seas. The 16 people aboard, comprising 15 DepEd personnel and one other passenger, found themselves struggling in the rough waters for approximately 30 to 40 minutes before being spotted by nearby fishing boats.
Responding fishermen navigated through the challenging sea conditions to reach the stranded group and bring all passengers safely aboard their vessels. No casualties or serious injuries were reported from the incident.
The exact cause of the sinking is still under investigation, though authorities have attributed the incident to severe weather conditions affecting the area at the time. Maritime authorities have been alerted to the incident.