MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) divers joined the search Friday for three people still missing after a boat carrying 13 passengers capsized at Mapanuepe Lake in San Marcelino, Zambales, killing six people.
Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, PCG spokesman, said four passengers have since been rescued.
Based on initial accounts from survivors, the boat encountered sudden strong winds and waves while the passengers were returning to Sitio Libaw after going to the village of Buhawen for a community health center activity, where they obtained food, medicine and vaccinations.
Cayabyab said the sudden change in weather conditions appeared to have contributed to the accident but stressed that the PCG's investigation was still ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.
“It was reportedly a sudden strengthening of the wind and a sudden increase in the waves,” Cayabyab said in an interview Friday.
The PCG has deployed personnel, including technical teams and divers, to assist in the search. Cayabyab said underwater diving operations would be conducted if weather and water conditions permit.
Surface search and rescue operations will also continue with other responding agencies, she said.
Cayabyab said the search area was near the site of a sunken church, with only the upper portion of the structure visible above the water, indicating the depth of the lake.
Mapanuepe Lake is a remote, mountainous area in San Marcelino. Cayabyab said the lake was formed after the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo and covers nearly 600 hectares.
The PCG does not have an established station in the area because of its remote location, she said.
Authorities were continuing the search for the three missing passengers while the PCG investigated the circumstances surrounding the incident.
