Seven saved from capsized boat in Roxas City

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – All seven passengers of a boat that capsized Saturday afternoon at Brgy. Punta Cogon while on their way to Olotayan island were rescued.

Dennis Saneo, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office-Roxas City Emergency Response Team (CDRRMO-RCERT) head, identified the survivors as boat skipper Joseph Veronica and passengers Jomer Veronica, Mary Joy Veronica, Mariel Legarda, Nathalie Borbon, Franz Torrecampo and Jenny Mae Bagona.

The victims were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office-Roxas City Emergency Response Team and barangay officials of Punta Cogon.

According to Veronica, they were at the so-called “bukana” portion of Brgy. Punta Cogon when the motor engine malfunctioned.

He said they were swiped away by strong waves and the boat was filled with water until it capsized.

Medical and food assistance was provided by the local units of Brgy. Punta Cogon and Roxas City government to the victims.

The victims were taken home Sunday morning.