3 dead, 3 others missing as boat capsizes off Iloilo

MANILA, Philippines – A family trip turned into a tragedy when an overcrowded boat capsized in rough seas near North Gigante Island in Iloilo on Thursday, January 1.

Three children died and 3 others were missing – all members of the Bartolome family – as authorities continued search and rescue operations in the areas of Concepcion and Carles, Iloilo, for the passengers of F/B Reynaldo.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Saturday, January 3, that 5 other members of the Bartolome family survived the incident.

The PCG said the Bartolome family boarded the motor boat on their way home to Barangay Asluman on North Gigante Island after spending New Year’s Day on Nabunot Island in Carles, Iloilo.

The boat encountered rough seas and sank at around 5 pm, some 9 nautical miles off North Gigante Island.  

A PCG official said the boat’s operator and owner, Reynaldo Bartolome, managed to swim to shore. Rescuers later found 4 other family members alive. 

Three children succumbed to hypothermia and were declared dead on arrival after they were rushed to the Jesus Colmenares District Hospital in Balasan, Iloilo.

They were identified as Jesabel, 10; Cristel, 6; and Cristop, 2. 

“Based on the account of survivors, they were on top of the hull of the overturned boat. They were wet and exposed to cold winds,” a PCG official said.

The coast guard, local fishermen, police, and local government units of Carles, Estancia, and Concepcion are continuing the search for the two other missing passengers of the vessel. – Rappler.com