Solon’s yacht sinks off Bataan; cops rescue occupants

By MAR T. SUPNAD - Manila Bulletin

MARIVELES, Bataan – Battered by giant waves and strong winds, an expensive yacht owned reportedly by a congressman sank before dawn yesterday in the waters off this town, but its three occupants, including the boat captain, survived when they were rescued by policemen here.


Mariveles Mayor Jesse I. Concepcion immediately brought to the hospital the three occupants of the ill-fated vessel who, he said, are already safe.

Supt. Benjamin Silo, chief of police here, said that the yacht reportedly owned by Congressman Eleandro Madrona of Romblon, was on its way to Manila from Subic when it encountered big waves in the ocean off Nagbayog Talaga.

The boat captain, identified as Erico Taruc. tried to maneuver the vessel, but the yacht hit big logs floating on its way, causing a big hole at its side. It later sank.

The logs apparently came from the mountains of either Bagac of Mariveles. These migh have been felled by illegal loggers, police said.

The yacht’s two other occupants, identified as Joe Angeles, assistant boat captain, and Carlos Formadero, yacht supervisor, were able to grab life boat before it sank.

"Tinamaan ng malalaking kahoy ang yate, kaya nabutas ang tagilian nito, at lumobog," said Colonel Silo.

If not removed soon, the floating logs in the area may cause more accidents to vessels passing through the area, police said.