SURIGAO CITY — Waves grew restless, daylight faded fast, and panic threatened to rise as passenger vessel MV Cab-ilan stalled in the waters off Barangay Lisondra on Saturday afternoon, December 6. With its mechanical propulsion system suddenly failing and the ship left drifting, 28 passengers were caught in a tense race against time.
At 4:20 p.m., the vessel’s shafting snapped—instantly disabling the roro-type passenger ship owned by Water-Ups Multi-Purpose Cooperative and skippered by Capt. Melchor Salve. The crew scrambled for an emergency fix, but when the engine refused to come back to life, the captain made the call no seafarer ever wants to make: “Request immediate rescue.”
Within moments, the Philippine Coast Guard Surigao del Norte sprang into action.
Under the direct supervision of Station Commander Ensign Roy Christopher R. Orillaneda, multiple rescue units launched a full-scale search and rescue (SAR) operation. Racing against the currents were the teams from Coast Guard Sub-Station Surigao City, the Coast Guard Special Operations Group – Northeastern Mindanao (CGSOG-NEM), and the crew of Fast Patrol Boat FPB 151.
The sea grew darker by the minute — but the rescuers moved faster.
Rapid Response, Split-Second Coordination
The joint SAR teams reached the distressed vessel and successfully evacuated 18 passengers, pulling them aboard Coast Guard vessels and securing them away from danger.
Meanwhile, 10 other passengers had already been assisted moments earlier by a nearby motorbanca, Mbca Julmar, whose crew did not hesitate to respond to the unfolding maritime emergency.
All rescued individuals were later transported safely to Basilisa Port in the Province of Dinagat Islands for assessment and further assistance. MV Cab-ilan was also towed to the same port by MV News MPC 4, ensuring the vessel did not drift into rougher waters or pose additional risks.
Safety Measures Triggered
Following the incident, MARINA Regional Office XIII immediately suspended MV Cab-ilan’s Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) pending a thorough survey and evaluation of the ship’s seaworthiness.
Coast Guard Commander Praises Swift Action
ENS Orillaneda lauded the coordinated and high-speed response of all units involved.
“The successful rescue operation highlights the Philippine Coast Guard’s unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment to safeguarding lives and property at sea,” he said.
He also extended praise to the civilian responders:
“I commend the exemplary actions of Mbca Julmar for assisting in a moment of distress — a clear display of our maritime community’s spirit of volunteerism.”
What could have spiraled into a tragedy at sea instead became a testament to quick thinking, seamless coordination, and the unbroken chain of maritime heroism in Surigao.