A female barangay treasurer was confirmed dead after a pump boat bound for Calatrava, Romblon sank in the waters of Tablas Strait.
The lone casualty died due to cardiac arrest, based on the assessment of the coast guard station in Romblon.
According to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Southern Tagalog District Commander Geronimo Tuvilla, 95 passengers, including five crew members of the MB King Sto. Niño, have been rescued.
Most of the passengers of the ill-fated boat came from the Summer Youth Camp of the Four Square Gospel Church, according to Mayor Elmer Fruelda of Corcuera, Romblon.
In an interview with DZBB, Ret. Col. Roseller Muros, the head of Romblon PDRRMO (Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) said that the MB King Sto. Niño encountered a hole, leading to its capsize.
“Medyo mataas ang alon lalo na sa kalagitnaan ng open sea at malakas din ang habagat, wala ding gale warning.” Muros added.
The Romblon mishap has been the third maritime incident in the country this year, following the Binangonan tragedy last 27 July that claimed 27 lives.