1 dead as boat with 27 passengers capsizes off Surigao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A person with disability died after their motorized boat capsized off the coast of Surigao City on Saturday afternoon, October 17.

The Philippine Information Agency Dinagat Islands said the vessel carrying about 27 passengers and 4 crew capsized at around 2 pm Saturday just 200 meters away from the village of Zaragoza. Authorities said big waves caused the boat to turn over.

The vessel was on its way to Surigao City from Dinagat Islands to transport the passengers who were set to take the Civil Service Examinations. 

“It was learned that majority of the passengers will take the Civil Service Commission Examinations tomorrow (Sunday),'” the PIA Dinagat Islands said. 

Authorities identified the lone casualty as 41-year-old Teofilo Saging.

All the rest of the passengers and crew are safe and are now in Surigao City, local authorities said. – Rappler.com