Boat capsizes in Philippines, kills 3 Taiwanese
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In this photo released by the Philippine Coast Guard Boracay, rescuers try to tow a capsized boat along the waters off Boracay Island, in Aklan province, central Philippines on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012. -- PHOTO: AP
MANILA (AP) - Officials say a boat carrying 30 Taiwanese tourists capsized in the central Philippines, killing three of them.
Coastguard official Ronnie Hiponia said 27 other tourists were rescued by passing boats some 550m off Boracay Island, famed for its powdery white sand and clear waters. He said two women, aged 71 and 49, and a 2 year-old girl trapped under the overturned boat were declared dead on arrival in hospital.
Mr Hiponio says the tourists were island-hopping on Wednesday when their boat was hit by strong winds and heavy rains, causing it to capsize.
He says authorities are investigating if the boat was overloaded. All the tourists were wearing life vests.
