ZAMBOANGA CITY — A total of 624 passengers and 32 crew members were safely secured after two passenger vessels encountered separate engine-related problems while sailing from Zamboanga City toward destinations in Sulu on September 4, 2026, according to the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM).
The incidents, which occurred just minutes apart, prompted separate responses from the Coast Guard Station Zamboanga and Coast Guard Sub-Station Corcuera, with both vessels eventually returning safely to port.
The first incident involved MV Prince Glory, operated by Ibnerizam Shipping Lines, which was carrying 369 passengers and 18 crew members bound for Jolo, Sulu.
At around 8:30 p.m., shortly after departing from Zamboanga City Port, the vessel experienced a transmission coupling and flywheel failure, affecting its ability to continue the voyage.
The mechanical problem forced the cancellation of the vessel’s scheduled trip.
Responding personnel from Coast Guard Station Zamboanga immediately deployed a rubber boat and personnel to assist the vessel and facilitate the safe return of its passengers to the port.
The Coast Guard’s response was aimed at ensuring that the mechanical failure did not place the passengers and crew at further risk while the vessel was unable to proceed with its voyage.
About five minutes later, at approximately 8:35 p.m., another passenger vessel encountered a separate mechanical problem.
MV Magnolia Liliflora, operated by Magnolia Shipping Lines, was sailing toward Siasi, Sulu, with 223 passengers and 14 crew members aboard when it developed a main engine lube oil piping leak.
Coast Guard Sub-Station Corcuera promptly verified the situation and monitored the vessel as it safely made its way back to the Port of Zamboanga.
Despite the simultaneous nature of the two incidents, authorities reported that all passengers and crew members aboard both vessels were successfully secured, with no reported injuries or casualties in connection with the incidents.
The Coast Guard said follow-up safety measures will now be undertaken to determine the condition of the vessels and ensure that their machinery and safety systems comply with maritime regulations.
The Maritime Safety and Services Unit–Southwestern Mindanao (MSSU-SWM) is set to conduct Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspections (VSEI) on the two vessels.
The inspections are expected to focus on their machinery, propulsion-related components and other safety systems, particularly those connected to the mechanical failures that disrupted the voyages.
The incidents have also been formally reported to the Maritime Industry Authority IX (MARINA IX) for appropriate regulatory action.
The twin engine troubles underscore the critical role of vessel inspections and preventive maintenance in ensuring the safety of passengers traveling through the country’s busy maritime routes, particularly those connecting Zamboanga City with island provinces in the Bangsamoro region.
For the Coast Guard, the safe handling of the two incidents also highlights the importance of rapid maritime response whenever passenger vessels experience mechanical problems while underway.
The CGDSWM reiterated its commitment to its mandate of maintaining safe, secure and reliable maritime transportation, emphasizing that the safety of the riding public remains a primary consideration in every maritime operation.
With hundreds of passengers depending daily on sea transportation between Zamboanga and the islands of Sulu, authorities continue to stress the importance of ensuring that passenger vessels are mechanically fit and equipped to undertake their scheduled voyages before being allowed to operate.