UPDATE 1 - Phil Navy sends divers to Ormoc City

Philippine Navy in Cebu sent off personnel to Ormoc City capsized motor banca incident.

File photo of Lt. James Reyes, spokesperson Naval Forces Central (Navforcen)

Lt. James Reyes, spokesperson of the Naval Forces Central  (PN-Navforcen) based here in Cebu City, immediately deployed a vessel to Ormoc City with five divers.

"The divers will be sent to the area where MB Nirvna sank.  But along the way to Ormoc City, they will search the area for anybody who was caught in the current," Reyes said.

MB Nirvana reportedly capsized a few minutes after leaving the port of Ormoc City bound for Pilarr town Camotes Island already under the Province of Cebu.

Photo by Ronald Canopio, protocol officer of former #Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia 

According to Poro Municipal Councilor Agosto Zurita, who happens to be at the port area, the boat was about to turn and face Pilar when it capsized upside down.

It had listed 173 passengers along with loads involving sacks of rice.
VIDEO
RESCUE video of MB Nirvana

As of press time 38 were recovered dead while 60 were rescued.  They were brought to Ormoc Doctors Hospital and Ormoc Sugarcane Planters Association- Farmers Medical Center (OSPA-FMC).

This is the first sea tragedy involving mostly Cebuanos for this year. (fcc//PIA7-Cebu)