Half-submerged MBCA Spirit in the vicinity waters off Barangay Pilar in San Antonio town, Northern Samar. (Photo Philippine Coast Guard)
MANILA, Philippines — The total number of people rescued from a half-sunken motorbanca in Northern Samar has gone up to 51, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) gave the update on Thursday.
Initially, it was reported that 33 passengers were rescued from half-submerged boat, MBCA Spirit, in the vicinity waters off Barangay Pilar in San Antonio town on Wednesday.
But in its latest official report, PCG said the total number of passengers is 41, and there are nine crew and boat captains.
PCG told INQUIRER.net in a text message that the number of survivors was also revised due to an error in the initial reporting.
The earlier report only accounted for the adult passengers, excluding the teenagers and infants.
MBCA Spirit left Victoria town in Northern Samar and headed to municipality of San Vicente.
During the trip, big waves hit the boat’s bow and damaged it.
Half of the banca was submerged as a result.
Three fishing bancas came around and towed MBCA spirit to San Antonio town.
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