Zambales: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed divers to search for three missing passengers after a motorboat capsized in Mapanuepe Lake in San Marcelino, Zambales on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a radio interview on DZMM on Friday, PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said search and rescue operations continue, with divers now in the area to conduct underwater searches. The motorboat carried 13 passengers when it capsized at approximately 2 p.m. on Thursday near the Sunken Church in Barangay Buhawen.

As of the latest report, six fatalities were recorded, including three adults and three minors, while four survivors were rescued and accounted for. The passengers were reportedly members of the Aeta indigenous peoples community from Sitio Lumibao. They had gone to the community health center to receive food and medicine and participate in a vaccination program before traveling back when the incident occurred.

Survivors told authorities that the wind and waves suddenly intensified mid-journey across the lake, causing the boat to encounter strong winds and rough water before it capsized. The Coast Guard Station Zambales Disaster Response Group, together with personnel from Coast Guard Sub-Station San Antonio, responded to the incident and coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.