Maluso, Basilan – July 14, 2025 — At least 18 passengers and crew members were safely rescued after a motorized banca capsized off the coast of Maluso, Basilan, amid rough seas on Sunday morning, July 12.
According to a report from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the unnamed vessel departed from Barangay Tattalan, Tongkil, Sulu, enroute to Maluso, when it was struck by strong winds around 10 a.m., causing it to overturn.
Rescue operations were swiftly conducted by personnel from the Maluso Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MMDRRMO), PCG Sub-Station Maluso, and Basilan MARPSTA. All 18 individuals onboard, including passengers and crew, were brought to safety with no reported casualties.
Authorities have yet to release the full details of the incident, but initial assessments suggest adverse sea conditions contributed to the mishap. The Coast Guard reminded the public to remain cautious and heed weather advisories before venturing out to sea.