Masbate: The Philippine Coast Guard District Bicol (PCG-5) confirmed on Thursday that two individuals have died and two remain missing following the capsizing of a motorbanca in the waters off Aroroy, Masbate on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PCG Bicol Commander Commodore Ivan Roldan, in a phone interview, stated that initial accounting recorded 34 passengers and eight crew members as rescued, with two confirmed fatalities and two reportedly trapped inside the vessel as per accounts from those rescued.

Roldan mentioned that the incident was reported to the Coast Guard Sub-Station Aroroy by a resident of Barangay Baga-uma, who alerted authorities about the capsizing event, allegedly caused by large waves.

Roldan further explained that the initial investigation revealed the motorbanca had departed without the necessary clearance from the Philippine Coast Guard and faced adverse weather conditions during its journey.

To ensure an impartial and thorough maritime casualty investigation, the PCG Bicol has temporarily relieved the Sub-Station Commander of Aroroy, facilitating further inquiry and a formal investigation into the maritime incident.