The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has responded to a maritime incident involving the MBCA “KING STO. NIÑO” 7 which went half-submerged at vicinity waters of municipality of Corcuera, Province of Romblon today, 05 August 2023 around 12:30PM.

According to the PCG, the boat with 34.13 gross tonnage left Calatrava Port bound to Corcuera Port with five crew and 90 passengers with one motorcycle onboard. The boat's authorized passenger capacity is up to 96 people, the Coast Guard added.

During its departure, the boat left Calaatrava Port at 11AM today with favorable sea and weather condition.

Personnel of CG Corcuera received a phone call from Barangay Captain, Honorable Jeffrey Factor who reported about the boat he was onboard was in distress.

Immediately personnel of Command Outpost Corcuera proceeded to the said location to conduct search and rescue operation onboard Motorbanca Corcuera Liner.

Additionally, Coast Guard Station in Romblon also deployed the personnel of Coast Guard Sub Station Calatrava to assist the said operation.

Likewise, deployed Coast Guard Station Romblon personnel were onboard assisting Provincial Government of Romblon (PGR) speedboat.

All 89 passengers (among them are 10 children) and five crew were brought to shoreline of Barangay Ilijan in Corcuera.

Three passengers were slightly injured namely: January Vien Defeo (16 y.o., Brgy Ambulong), Hazel Jane Faderagao (23 y.o., Brgy Mangansag), Ira Mariz Fruelda (17 y.o., Brgy. Mangansag), all in Corcuera.

The PCG confirms one death toll from the passengers, a 55-year old woman due to cardiac arrest as per attending physician on the ground. The identity of the deceased is not released until most of their closest family members (next of kin) have been notified. Said victim was brought to the nearest hospital, Malapayon District Hospital for proper disposition.

As per the Boat Captain, Mr Jose Moreno Sr., Mbca Sto. Niño King 7 submerged due to a direct hit from a solid wood at port side aft freeboard.

Progress report to follow.