Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A passenger boat capsized off Gumaca, Quezon on Friday (February 26) leaving at least three people dead, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Commander Armand Balilo, PCG spokesperson, told CNN Philippines that the motorized banca left Gumaca port around 3:30 p.m. carrying 41 passengers and four crew members — en route Quezon town.
Balilo said that after covering about one nautical mile, the boat was hit by big waves, causing it to keel over.
Citing initial reports, Balilo said three female passengers were killed.
Search and rescue operations had been carried out since.
Meanwhile, according to the Gumaca police, the boat named MB Lady Aime capsized around 4:40 p.m. near Barangay Villabota. The police blotter, however, recorded 65 passengers aboard the sea vessel.
