Tragedy strikes as ferry capsizes during Typhoon Doksuri: Philippines

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies + websites
28 Jul 2023 14:43

In the Philippines, an overloaded ferry capsized during the strong winds of Typhoon Doksuri, leading to the tragic death of 26 people.

This photo taken by drone shows the remains of a passenger boat that capsized in Binangonan, Rizal province, Philippines. (AP)

At least 26 people lost their lives and 40 others were rescued when a ferry capsized in the Philippines during the aftermath of Typhoon Doksuri.

The incident occurred in Laguna de Bay, Rizal province, east of Manila. It remains unclear how many people were onboard the M/B Princess Aya when it overturned, just 46 meters from the shore, after leaving a wharf in Binangonan for Talim Island.

Doksuri, the fifth typhoon this year, made landfall in east China's Fujian Province on Friday morning, bringing winds of up to 180 kilometers per hour near its center.pic.twitter.com/CyOgKQbc8v
— Zhang Meifang (@CGMeifangZhang) July 28, 2023

The boat's outrigger broke due to passengers rushing to one side amid strong winds, causing it to capsize. A rescue operation was launched immediately by the police, coast guard, and local authorities.

However, the ferry was overloaded and exceeded its capacity of 42 passengers and crew. Investigations will also look into reports that passengers were not wearing life vests as required.

The typhoon, which battered the northern Philippines, has caused multiple casualties and disruptions in the region.

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, is afflicted by poor sea transport, especially with its poorly regulated ferries that are inclined to overcrowding and accidents.