Binangonan, Rizal – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Red Cross (PRC) successfully concluded the underwater search and rescue/retrieval operation after a motor banca tragically capsized off the coast of Binangonan, Rizal. The extensive search, which lasted for over seven hours, aimed to locate any potential additional victims of the boat accident.
At approximately 1:30 PM today, the joint rescue teams decided to bring the underwater search and rescue operation to an end, having thoroughly combed the area around the sunken vessel.
According to the latest report from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Binangonan, Rizal, as of 2:10 PM, 40 individuals have been successfully rescued, while 26 lives have been claimed by the tragic incident. Among the 26 deceased, the identities of six individuals remain unclear and are subject to further investigation and verification.
While the underwater search and rescue operation have concluded, the authorities will continue their efforts through a surface search and rescue/retrieval operation, scheduled to resume tomorrow. This phase aims to ensure that no victims remain unaccounted for and to provide closure to the families affected by this devastating accident.
Addressing concerns regarding missing individuals, the PCG clarified that there are no reported missing or unaccounted persons connected to the incident. Their thorough search efforts have accounted for all individuals who were onboard the ill-fated motor banca at the time of the capsizing.
The incident has left the community of Binangonan and surrounding areas in mourning, as they cope with the loss of lives and support the families of the victims. Local authorities are stressing the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and measures during water travel, emphasizing the need for vigilance to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
As investigations into the cause of the boat capsizing continue, the focus remains on providing support to the affected families and offering condolences for the lives lost in this heart-wrenching disaster.
