ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, Philippines — Three fishermen from Siasi Island, Sulu, who survived a maritime ordeal after their motorized banca sank in the waters of the Celebes Sea, have been safely turned over to authorities and are now on their way home following a coordinated rescue and humanitarian assistance operation led by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The Coast Guard Station Zamboanga del Sur (CGS ZDS) facilitated the safe turnover of the rescued fishermen on July 8, 2026, ensuring they received the necessary assistance before continuing their journey back to their hometown in Siasi, Sulu.
The rescued fishermen were identified as:
- Tuyo Alahari, 50
- Marsol Alahari, 20
- Boni Alahari, 13
All three are residents of Siasi Island, Sulu.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the fishermen had been rescued two days earlier, on July 6, after their motorized banca reportedly sank while navigating the waters of the Celebes Sea.
They were discovered stranded near their submerged vessel by the crew of TS 2012 Alpha, a fish carrier vessel operated by Seagull Fishing Venture. The vessel immediately rendered assistance, preventing what could have been a tragic loss of life.
The rescued fishermen were subsequently transferred to the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) Executive Squadron, which coordinated their safe transport.
Following their arrival in General Santos City, the three survivors were brought to Coast Guard Station Zamboanga del Sur, where personnel facilitated documentation, coordination, and welfare assistance before arranging their onward travel to Siasi.
The Philippine Coast Guard commended the swift and decisive actions of the crew of TS 2012 Alpha, whose immediate response played a crucial role in saving the fishermen from the dangers of the open sea.
Authorities emphasized that the successful operation demonstrated the importance of cooperation between government maritime agencies, volunteer organizations, and private maritime operators in ensuring the safety of Filipino seafarers and fishermen.
The PCG reiterated its commitment to protecting lives at sea through rapid search-and-rescue operations, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and continuous humanitarian assistance for mariners in distress.
The safe return of the three fishermen underscores the vital role of maritime rescue networks in the country’s vast coastal waters, where unpredictable weather, rough seas, and mechanical failures continue to pose serious risks to small fishing vessels operating far from shore.