DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Four children and a 63-year-old man died when the motorized outrigger boat they were boarding sank in the waters off NHA Bangkal, this city, Friday afternoon.
The full names of the fatalities have not been disclosed but initial reports said among those who perished in the sinking of the boat were Bambie Orop, Joan Chavez and 63-year-old Antonio Chavez.
Four others survived the incident, authorities said.
According to the survivors, they were onboard the motorized banca on their home from Punta Dumalag after a leisurely swim.
When they were merely 20-meters away from their shore, a strong wave suddenly battered the banca, causing it to sink.
The remains of the fatalities have already been brought to their houses while the survivors are undergoing stress debriefing, authorities said.