DAVAO OCCIDENTAL — A massive search and rescue operation is underway in the waters near Olanivan Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental after a motorbanca carrying five individuals reportedly sank amid rough sea conditions on Thursday, May 28, authorities said.
The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), through Coast Guard Station (CGS) Davao Occidental, has mobilized personnel alongside several maritime law enforcement agencies and local emergency responders as efforts continue to locate the missing passengers of Motorbanca QUESSEL J.
According to initial reports, the vessel departed from Barangay Barrio Bukid in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental en route to Barangay Camalig in Sarangani Island when it encountered strong winds and turbulent waves while traversing the sea near Olanivan Island. The worsening weather conditions allegedly caused the motorbanca to submerge.
Authorities identified the reported operator of the vessel as Jeboy Masalta. The passengers onboard were identified as Ariel Quia Tablingon, Aljude Ivan Quia Tablingon, Joreden Butal, and Rexex Jacar Quia.
The maritime emergency was reported to Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Patuco at approximately 5:40 p.m. on May 28, prompting an immediate response from the Philippine Coast Guard and partner agencies.
Search and rescue teams from CGSS Maveas and CGSS Patuco were immediately deployed to the area and have since been conducting continuous operations despite dangerous sea and weather conditions. Personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group in Sarangani have also joined the intensified search efforts.
Authorities said responders are combing identified waters surrounding the reported sinking site in hopes of locating the missing individuals as quickly as possible.
In a bid to strengthen maritime coordination and safety, CGS Davao Occidental has issued a Notice to Mariners for widest dissemination, alerting all sea-going vessels operating within nearby waters to remain vigilant and assist if necessary during the ongoing operations.
The Philippine Coast Guard emphasized that rescue operations remain active and uninterrupted despite the challenging conditions at sea.
As of posting time, authorities have yet to confirm the condition or whereabouts of the five individuals onboard the distressed vessel.
The incident once again highlights the dangers faced by small sea vessels navigating the waters of Southern Mindanao during adverse weather conditions, prompting renewed calls for stricter maritime safety measures and heightened caution among fisherfolk and sea travelers.