Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 27) — At least 26 people drowned after a motorbanca sank in the vicinity of Talim Island in Binangonan, Rizal on Thursday, according to local disaster officials.

There were 40 survivors – but more fatalities are expected.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the motorbanca Princess Aya left Binangonan at around 12:30 p.m. en route to Barangay Gulod, Talim Island.

The PCG added that strong winds made the passengers panic and lean to the port side of the boat, causing it to capsize.

The motorbanca sank approximately 50 yards from Barangay Kalinawan, Binangonan, Rizal, 45 minutes away from their destination at Talim Island.

According to NCR and Central Luzon PCG Deputy Commander Glen Daraug, further investigation is needed to check for remaining bodies.

“May possibility pa na mayroon pang naiwan sa loob (There is a possibility that there are still bodies inside),” Daraug told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word.

He added that authorities are looking into the number of passengers on the boat. They are looking into the possibility of overloading as a reason for the incident.

A local hospital in Darangan confirmed that two female passengers of the ill-fated boat were declared dead on arrival at around 4:30 p.m. on the same day.