The crew and passengers of a motorized pumpboat that capsized Wednesday afternoon off the famed international dive destination Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental were all declared safe, with no reported injuries.
An initial report from the Philippine National Police said the motorized boat, Mary 2, was at sea between Apo Island and Malatapay, Zamboanguita in Negros Oriental around 2:20 p.m. when it suddenly capsized.
The Mary 2 boat captain was identified as Arnulfo Palopalo, a resident of Malatapay, while the two crew members were identified as Joy Balucan, 35, and Restito Tampioc, 31, both residents of Apo Island.
The passengers, meanwhile, were identified in the police report as Debrah Florendo, 51; Paul Benzi Florendo, 24; Nadine Florendo, 19; Donna Amayun, 59; Dulee Amayun, 20; Nathan Amayun, 31; Matthew Amayun, 25; Lindsey Amayun, 25; Chona Lennon, 51; Andrew Lennon, 17; all residents of upper Daro in Dumaguete City.
Coast Guard-Dumaguete Station is still conducting further investigation on the circumstances surrounding the incident. (PNA)
