LUUK, Sulu — Sixty-three passengers and crew members aboard a passenger motorbanca were safely rescued after their vessel experienced engine failure while navigating the waters off Luuk, Sulu on Sunday evening, prompting a swift search and rescue operation by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The distressed vessel, M/B QUEENSHAIMA 5, was traveling from Zamboanga City to Luuk, Sulu when it encountered mechanical problems in the vicinity waters of Bitinan, Luuk, leaving dozens of passengers stranded at sea amid rough conditions.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the vessel’s engine malfunctioned while in transit, causing concern among passengers as strong waves battered the motorbanca. Reports indicated that panic spread among some passengers as the vessel drifted in the waters while awaiting assistance.
Commodore Rejard Marfe, Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Southwestern Mindanao District, said authorities immediately responded after receiving information about the vessel’s situation.
Upon learning of the incident, Marfe directed personnel of Coast Guard Station Eastern Sulu to launch an immediate search and rescue operation to ensure the safety of all individuals aboard the vessel.
Several local motorbancas that happened to pass through the area initially responded and provided assistance to the stranded vessel while Coast Guard rescuers were en route.
At approximately 7:55 p.m., the Coast Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) Team successfully located M/B QUEENSHAIMA 5 and conducted a thorough assessment of the vessel and its passengers.
Rescuers confirmed that all 63 passengers and crew members were accounted for and were in good physical condition despite the ordeal.
To prevent further risks and ensure the safe arrival of those onboard, Coast Guard personnel escorted the distressed motorbanca throughout the remainder of its voyage to Luuk.
The vessel eventually reached Allayon Port in Luuk, Sulu at around 10:00 p.m., where all passengers and crew safely disembarked without any reported injuries.
The successful rescue operation highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response and cooperation among maritime stakeholders, including local boat operators who provided immediate assistance while authorities mobilized rescue assets.
Following the incident, the Philippine Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and ensuring maritime safety across the country’s waterways.
The agency also reminded vessel operators to conduct comprehensive pre-departure inspections and regular maintenance checks on engines and other critical equipment before setting sail. Authorities further emphasized the importance of maintaining reliable communication devices onboard to facilitate immediate coordination during maritime emergencies.
While the incident ended without casualties, the Coast Guard noted that the situation serves as a reminder of the risks faced by sea travelers, particularly in areas where weather and sea conditions can quickly change.
The swift response of the Coast Guard and the assistance provided by nearby boat operators ultimately ensured that what could have escalated into a serious maritime emergency concluded with all 63 passengers and crew members brought safely home.