It's essential for individuals to take proper precautions before bringing a vessel out on the water. Paying attention to weather conditions and being sure not to overload a boat are just two of the things you can do to prevent a maritime tragedy from occurring.
Philippines media outlet GMA News reported that a watercraft capsized at the Liguasan Marsh in Sultan sa Barongis, a town in Maguindanao province on March 25 at around 6 p.m. The source states that stormy weather sent a gush of water toward the boat, causing it to flip over.
Of the passengers on the vessel, 10 died, two were reported missing and six survived the ordeal. Officials said that they would continue their search efforts, though they aren't optimistic about recovering anyone else alive since they have been scanning the water for more than a day now.
Sultan sa Barongis Mayor Allan Angas, chairman of the municipal disaster council, said that the watercraft had too many people on it, which may be part of the reason why it overturned.
"There were 16 passengers all in all. The victims were from a family gathering and were on their way home to our town," Angas added.
It's important for commercial and recreational boat owners to be aware of the risks they face when they bring their vessels out on the water and take any safety precautions they can to prevent these incidents from occurring. Additionally, it's a good idea to be prepared for any unexpected turn of events. One way you can do this is by working with a marine insurance agency that can help you find policies with the best rates and ensure that you are covered in the case of an accident.