Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental — A motorbanca carrying twenty passengers capsized off the waters of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, prompting a swift and successful rescue operation by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The joint operation was carried out by the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Davao Occidental and the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Jose Abad Santos, with assistance from the local government unit’s MBCA LGU Sarangani.
Using RHIB-01 and RHIB-02, the Search and Rescue (SAR) team immediately responded upon receiving the distress call. All 20 individuals on board the capsized vessel were safely rescued and transported to CGSS Jose Abad Santos for medical evaluation and further assistance.
Authorities have yet to disclose the cause of the incident, but they reminded boat operators and passengers to observe maritime safety protocols, especially during unpredictable sea conditions.
The PCG commended the responders for their prompt action and preparedness, which ensured that no lives were lost in the incident.