One killed after passenger boat capsizes off Surigao City, Philippines

The incident is one of three vessel capsizings that occurred in southern Philippine waters within a 48-hour period earlier this week as well as the only one of the three with a confirmed fatality.

On Monday, January 19, a passenger launch sank off Tawi-Tawi province and the recreational dive boat Amejarawent missing in the Davao Gulf off Davao Occidental province. All 12 people on the launch were eventually rescued while only one survivor has so far been reported among the 15 individuals who were on the dive boat when it capsized.

The coast guard said it is continuing its search for the dive boat's missing passengers and crew. As of Wednesday, January 21, 24 vessels and three aircraft from various local agencies including the coast guard, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force have been committed to the search.