BASILAN, Philippines — After more than two weeks of grueling underwater operations, technical divers of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy on February 13, 2026, underscoring both the physical toll of their mission and their unwavering commitment to finding the remaining 26 missing victims of the Basilan maritime tragedy.
For 16 consecutive days, the elite divers plunged into murky and dangerous waters off Basilan, navigating strong currents, limited visibility, and submerged debris in search of those still unaccounted for. Each descent brought hope to grieving families — and risk to the rescuers themselves.
Safeguarding the Rescuers
The hyperbaric oxygen therapy, conducted under strict medical supervision, is part of standard post-dive protocol for prolonged underwater missions. The treatment helps prevent and manage decompression sickness and other dive-related conditions, allowing oxygen to circulate more efficiently through the body after exposure to extreme pressure.
According to PCG officials, the procedure reflects the agency’s priority on the welfare of its personnel, even as the search and recovery mission remains ongoing.
PCG spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab emphasized that safety is never compromised, despite the urgency of the operation.
“The welfare of our personnel remains a top priority. All diving operations strictly adhere to established safety standards, with mandatory medical evaluations before and after every mission,” Cayabyab said.
She added that the Technical Diving Group continues to maintain operational readiness while upholding professionalism under extreme conditions.
A Race Against Time and Nature
The ongoing recovery operation has tested the limits of both manpower and machinery. Divers must contend with unpredictable underwater terrain, reduced visibility, and strong tidal movements, making every search effort painstakingly slow and dangerous.
Despite these challenges, teams return to the water day after day, driven by the hope of bringing closure to families still waiting for news.
“Every dive is a mission of compassion,” a PCG officer involved in the operation shared. “We know there are families counting on us. That keeps us going, even when our bodies are exhausted.”
Toll of the Tragedy
As of February 13, 2026, authorities confirmed that the death toll stands at 53, with 293 survivors rescued in the aftermath of the incident. However, 26 individuals remain missing, leaving dozens of families in painful uncertainty.
Makeshift prayer sites and candlelight vigils have emerged in nearby communities, where relatives gather daily to await updates. Many have expressed gratitude to the rescuers, even as they struggle with anxiety and grief.
“We are thankful they haven’t given up,” said one family member. “As long as they keep searching, we still have hope.”
Operations to Resume
The PCG announced that dive operations will resume on February 14, 2026, following the completion of medical recovery procedures for the divers. Fresh teams and equipment will be deployed to ensure continuity and safety in the search.
Officials reiterated that the mission will continue for as long as conditions permit and until all possible efforts have been exhausted.
Beyond Duty
For the technical divers, the operation has gone beyond routine service. It has become a deeply personal mission — a daily confrontation with danger, fatigue, and emotional strain in the pursuit of humanitarian duty.
As the search presses on, the image of divers emerging from the water — tired but determined — has become a symbol of resilience and public service.
In the depths of Basilan’s waters, the PCG’s silent battle continues, driven by the belief that every life matters and every missing person deserves to be found.