SULU, Philippines — Nine crew members aboard a distressed fishing boat were safely rescued after their vessel suffered a major engine failure while sailing through the waters off Banguingui, Sulu, prompting a swift search and rescue operation by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on August 5.
The Coast Guard Station (CGS) Eastern Sulu, through the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Banguingui, successfully conducted the rescue operation after receiving reports that the fishing boat FBCA Swan 3 had become disabled in the vicinity waters of Duway Bullod, Banguingui, Sulu.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the vessel was traveling from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, and was bound for Sangali, Zamboanga City when it encountered severe engine trouble, leaving the boat stranded at sea and its crew in need of immediate assistance.
Upon receiving the distress report, CGSS Banguingui immediately coordinated with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Banguingui and mobilized a dedicated Search and Rescue (SAR) team to locate the vessel.
Rescuers successfully reached the distressed fishing boat and safely towed it to Port Tiger Base in Barangay Dungon, Banguingui, Sulu, where all nine crew members were brought to safety.
Authorities confirmed that every member of the crew was accounted for and found to be in good physical condition, with no injuries reported during the maritime incident.
The successful operation highlighted the importance of rapid inter-agency coordination in responding to emergencies at sea. The Coast Guard credited the Local Government Unit of Banguingui for its invaluable assistance and close collaboration, which contributed significantly to the safe and efficient rescue of the stranded fishermen.
The Philippine Coast Guard emphasized that the incident demonstrates its continued commitment to protecting lives in Philippine waters through timely maritime response operations and strengthened coordination with local stakeholders.
The rescue also forms part of the PCG’s Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement (iCARE) program, which aims to enhance maritime safety, improve emergency response capabilities, and promote stronger partnerships with coastal communities.
The Coast Guard reminded vessel operators and fishermen to ensure that their boats undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections before setting sail, particularly when traveling long distances across open waters, to minimize the risk of mechanical failures and other maritime emergencies.
With all nine crew members safely rescued and the vessel secured at Port Tiger Base, the operation concluded without casualties, underscoring the Philippine Coast Guard’s readiness to respond swiftly to emergencies and uphold maritime safety across the country’s coastal waters.