PCG: An eight-year old passenger of a sunken motor boat in Abuyog, Leyte remains missing as the personnel of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Tacloban and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) continues its search for the boy since the incident yesterday, December 28.

In a report received by CGS Tacloban from Lighthouse Keeper Cubilo, motor banca Super Star capsized at the Caddacan River in Barangay Pilar, Abuyog.

The boat reportedly encountered engine trouble until it was capsized by strong winds and rough waves.

All of its 20 passengers and eight crew, including the owner and skipper Ritchie Canuto, were thrown in the water as the boat sank around 1:00 pm.

Immediately, the personnel of CGS Tacloban and BFP responded to the distress call and conducted search and rescue operation. 

The team rescued the 19 passengers and all of the crew. 

A certain Venice Ampong Infanso, 8 years old of Brgy Parasanon, Albuera, Leyte was nowhere to be found, however.

The rescued persons were immediately brought to the nearest shoreline and subsequently took to Abuyog Hospital for medical treatment. 

A further SAR operation is continuously undertaken, while coordination has already been made to local residents near the vicinity regarding the missing child and if sighted, to report to the nearest PCG Office and barangays.