One missing as boat capsizes in Capiz
ROXAS CITY – A retired teacher was missing and presumed dead at dawn yesterday when a motor boat capsized while on its way from Brgy. Butacal, Panay going to Pontevedra, Capiz.
Butacal Brgy. Captain Eris Bulquerin said that six persons were on board the motor boat from his place going to Pontevedra, Capiz however, upon reaching Brgy. Bantigue, Panay, the boat capsized.
Missing person was identified as Sylvia Roxas, 64, of Brgy. Butacal. Survivors were identified as Godofredo Roxas, boat owner and brother of missing person; Margarita Dizon, Jocelyn, Onel and Nida all surnames are Baquilar.
Godofredo Roxas, said in a radio interview, that the incident took place at around 4 a.m. when the spark plug of the engine exploded causing it to malfunction.
According to him, because of the strong wind, the boat out-balanced and capsized and that his sister, who does not know how to swim, drowned.
He added that the boat was also loaded with 11 sacks of rice which supposedly to be delivered in Pontevedra to pay his debt. He also said that his passengers were supposed to go to the public market to buy something.
Government agencies as well as Panay PNP are still conducting a rescue and retrieval operation as of press time.