Mapanuepe Lake boat capsizing death toll rises to 8 after 2 missing children are found

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 30, 2026

Photo courtesy: Baguio Herald Express

Philippines — Authorities recovered the bodies of two children who went missing after a motorized banca capsized in Mapanuepe Lake in San Marcelino, Zambales, raising the confirmed death toll to eight.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the two bodies were recovered Saturday, August 29, two days after the boat capsized near the Sunken Church in Barangay Buhawen.

Residents found the body of the female passenger at around 10:10 AM, approximately 50 meters west of the capsizing site. Search-and-rescue personnel recovered the male passenger’s body at about 11:05 AM, around 30 meters southeast of the site.

Both children were positively identified by their respective fathers.

The Coast Guard said search operations were continuing for the remaining missing passenger, an adult.

The motorbanca was carrying 13 members of the Aeta community when it capsized at around 2 PM, Thursday, August 27. Six passengers were initially confirmed dead, four were rescued and three were reported missing. 

According to the PCG, the passengers were returning to Sitio Lumibao after visiting a community health center to receive food and medicine and participate in a vaccination program.

Initial reports indicated that the boat encountered strong winds and rough water conditions before capsizing. 

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.