JOSE ABAD SANTOS, DAVAO OCCIDENTAL — Six passengers were safely rescued after the motorized banca they were aboard suffered engine trouble while underway in the vicinity waters of Barangay Bukid in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, on August 19, 2026.
The incident was reported to the Coast Guard Sub-Station Jose Abad Santos (CGSS JAS) at around 7:45 a.m., after a relative of the passengers sought assistance from authorities upon learning that the vessel had encountered trouble at sea.
Responding immediately to the distress report, a search-and-rescue team from the Coast Guard sub-station was deployed to locate the disabled motorized banca and ensure the safety of everyone on board. The team also established communication with the passengers while conducting the rescue operation.
At approximately 8:10 a.m., Coast Guard personnel successfully located the disabled vessel in the waters off Barangay Bukid. The motorized banca was then towed back to the CGSS JAS facility as a safety precaution, where it could undergo further assessment and inspection.
All six passengers were brought safely ashore, with no injuries reported in connection with the incident.
The prompt response of the Coast Guard team prevented the engine failure from developing into a more serious maritime emergency, particularly given the risks faced by passengers aboard a disabled vessel while at sea.
The incident also underscores the importance of maintaining communication and immediately seeking assistance whenever a vessel encounters mechanical problems while underway. Early reporting allowed authorities to quickly locate the distressed passengers and bring them to safety.
Coast Guard personnel are expected to continue reminding boat operators and passengers to observe maritime safety measures, including ensuring that vessels are in proper operating condition and that appropriate safety equipment is available before heading out to sea.