28th July 2023 – (Manila) The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported that the death toll from the overcrowded passenger boat that capsized in Laguna de Bay on Thursday has risen to 26. The boat, which had a maximum capacity of 42, was carrying up to 70 people, and none of the passengers were wearing life vests.
Search and retrieval operations have been ongoing since the accident, with the PCG continuing to search for any remaining passengers who may have been trapped underwater. The boat was traveling from Binangonan town to Talim Island, which is located in Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines.
The accident occurred during the aftermath of Typhoon Doksuri, which caused floods and landslides throughout the region. Strong winds buffeted the motorboat approximately 45 meters away from Binangonan town, causing panic among the passengers.
Survivors interviewed by local media recounted the harrowing incident, stating that the passengers rushed to one side of the boat when the wind and rain started pouring down, causing the boat to tilt on one side and trapping many passengers underneath.