GLAN, Sarangani Province — Twenty-eight individuals aboard a distressed motorized banca were safely rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday morning, June 22, after their vessel encountered mechanical trouble while traversing the waters off Barangay Gumasa in Glan, Sarangani Province.
The successful search and rescue (SAR) operation was carried out by the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao (CGDSM) through Coast Guard Station (CGS) Eastern Sarangani, preventing what could have escalated into a maritime emergency.
According to the Coast Guard, the incident unfolded at approximately 5:00 a.m. when CGS Eastern Sarangani received a distress call from one of the passengers aboard the motorized banca MBCA Lerrie Jie. The caller reported that the vessel was experiencing difficulties while navigating the waters near Barangay Gumasa.
Responding swiftly, CGS Eastern Sarangani immediately deployed Aluminum Boat-230 with a dedicated SAR team onboard to verify the report and provide emergency assistance.
By around 5:30 a.m., the rescue team arrived at the reported location, roughly 300 meters from the shoreline, and found the distressed vessel with all passengers and crew still onboard.
The Coast Guard team promptly rendered assistance and safely escorted the vessel toward the nearest shoreline to prevent further risk to those onboard.
At approximately 6:32 a.m., the operation concluded successfully as the vessel, carrying 26 passengers and two crew members, was safely brought ashore. Authorities confirmed that all 28 individuals were accounted for and were found to be in good physical condition, with no injuries reported.
Initial investigation revealed that MBCA Lerrie Jie had departed from Lower Makar, General Santos City, and was bound for Balut Island when it suffered a derangement of its propeller shaft. The mechanical failure reportedly allowed seawater to enter the vessel’s hull, rendering it incapable of continuing its voyage.
The incident raised concerns about the vessel’s seaworthiness and mechanical condition. Coast Guard personnel are conducting a further investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the malfunction and whether additional safety measures or regulatory actions may be necessary.
The Philippine Coast Guard credited the successful rescue to the prompt reporting of the incident, the rapid deployment of rescue assets, and the operational readiness of its personnel.
Authorities emphasized that timely communication during maritime emergencies plays a crucial role in safeguarding lives at sea and preventing accidents from escalating into tragedies.
The Coast Guard also reiterated its commitment to ensuring maritime safety and protecting passengers and mariners across the country’s waters.
“The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in its mission to protect mariners and passengers, respond effectively to maritime emergencies, and uphold safe navigation within the country’s waters,” the agency said.
The public was likewise urged to immediately report any maritime incident or emergency to the nearest Coast Guard unit to facilitate swift response operations and enhance safety at sea.
The successful rescue operation once again highlighted the vital role of the Philippine Coast Guard in responding to maritime emergencies and ensuring the safety of travelers navigating the country’s vast coastal and island waters.