MACTAN, Cebu, Philippines — Big waves and strong winds battered a motorized banca with 12 passengers on board, causing it to capsize at the Hilutungan Channel Sunday morning. Said banca was on its way to Caohagan Island.

Philippine Coast Guard-Cebu chief, Commander Rolando Punzalan Jr. said all those on board the boat were safe after they were rescued by fishermen who were in the area.

He said three of the 12 passengers identified as Junnifer Noynoy, Moises Abayan and Jhunrey Eramil were able to swim towards the shoreline of Plantation Bay resort in Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City where they sought assistance.

The remaining nine passengers - Rodillo Espra, Inyang Manilig, Yacko Espra, Rene Sumalinog, Pablo Mallado, Eramil Aniana. Cresencio Abaño, Juven Paran and boat captain, Adelo Abayan were rescued by fishermen. All the passengers are from Caohagan Island, Lapu-Lapu City.

Investigation of the Cebu Coast Guard revealed that victims were aboard the Green Island motorized banca and were heading back to Caohagan Island from mainland Lapu-Lapu City when the incident happened.

Meanwhile, a 50-year-old Korean national died while her two other companions were injured after the banana boat they were riding collided with a pump boat midday Sunday in seawaters off Sitio Looc, Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.

Ji Sung Ok, who sustained injuries on her right arm and leg, died a few minutes after her arrival at the Mactan Doctor’s Hospital in Barangay Basak where she and her companions Park Mi So, 51and Lee Ug Kyung, 56 were taken.

So was injured on her upper lip while Kyung sustained a head injury. Both are currently confined at the said hospital.