On December 17, 2024, a coordinated rescue effort led by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully saved 15 individuals who had been stranded at sea following the capsizing of their boat, ML Sayouri. The rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving personnel from Coast Guard Station Central Tawi-Tawi, Coast Guard Sub-Station Bongao, and other operational control units, with significant support from the Coast Guard District Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CGDBARMM).
The incident occurred on December 15, 2024, when ML Sayouri, en route from Balas, Lamitan City, Basilan to Taganak, Tawi-Tawi, capsized at around 9:00 p.m. near Laparan Island, close to Pangutaran Island, Sulu. Survivors reported that the vessel was struck on its right side, possibly by a floating object, while contending with strong winds and waves. The passengers clung to a makeshift raft (balsa) to stay afloat.
Two days later, on December 17, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the survivors were spotted by MV Trisha Kerstin 2, which was en route to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. The vessel’s captain promptly coordinated with Coast Guard Station Zamboanga, led by Station Commander Capt. Larry C. Cendeña PCG, to report the sighting. The Coast Guard Sea Marshall BARMM personnel onboard MV Trisha Kerstin 2, along with its crew, carried out the rescue operation, safely bringing all 15 individuals aboard.
Upon docking at Bongao Port around 2:30 p.m., the rescued individuals were transported to Coast Guard Station Central Tawi-Tawi. There, they received medical assistance under the supervision of the Municipal Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) led by Mr. Al-Gibran I. Amilasan, RN, MPA, EMT. The survivors underwent profiling before being turned over to the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).
All 15 individuals were reported to be in good health and were promptly sent back to Zamboanga aboard MV Trisha Kerstin 2 later that afternoon.
LCDR Jorrel L. Sebastian PCG, Station Commander of Coast Guard Station Central Tawi-Tawi, commended the swift and efficient actions of all units involved, including the dynamic leadership of CGDBARMM District Commander Commo Marco Antonio P. Gines PCG and PO1 Masni B. Satal PCG of Coast Guard Sub-Station Bongao. Their collective efforts ensured the safety and well-being of the rescued passengers.
This successful rescue underscores the critical role of inter-agency collaboration and preparedness in responding to maritime emergencies, safeguarding lives, and fostering a culture of safety in the region’s waters.
