SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte — A 47-year-old woman was confirmed dead while 11 others were rescued after a motor banca capsized in rough seas off Surigao City, near Barangay Day-asan, on Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, authorities reported.
The fatality was identified as Nelyn B. Longos, 47, a resident of Buenavista. She was among 12 passengers aboard the motor banca that departed from Barangay Talisay en route to the mainland of Surigao City when it encountered strong winds and large waves, causing the vessel to overturn.
According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the incident occurred at around 7:00 a.m. and was officially reported to authorities at 8:06 a.m. The motor banca, reportedly under three gross tons and led by operator Mario Larong, was overwhelmed by sudden heavy swells while traversing waters off Barangay Day-asan.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Surigao City, together with the Coast Guard Special Operations Group–North Eastern Mindanao and patrol boat FPB-151, immediately launched search and rescue operations at around 8:10 a.m.
Most of the passengers were rescued with the help of nearby motor bancas. However, Longos was initially reported missing. At around 9:20 a.m., former Barangay Talisay captain Vincent Angelo Ramiro informed authorities that the missing passenger had been found floating and unresponsive and was recovered by another motor banca.
The victim was brought to Nueva Basin in Barangay Taft and later transported by the PCG to the Surigao Medical Center, where attending physician Dr. Rainer Bautista declared her dead on arrival.
In total, 11 passengers survived, while one fatality was recorded. The capsized motor banca was later towed back to the shoreline of Barangay Talisay for safekeeping and possible repair.
Meanwhile, ENS Roy Orillaneda, commander of PCG Station Surigao del Norte, renewed calls for caution, urging boat operators, fishermen, and passengers to avoid sea travel during bad weather and rough sea conditions.
Authorities said an investigation into the incident is ongoing, as they reiterated public advisories against unnecessary sea travel amid unstable weather to prevent similar tragedies.