Samal Island, Davao del Norte – June 9, 2025 — Fifteen individuals, including eight minors, were successfully rescued after a motorbanca capsized off the waters of Barangay Limao, Samal District, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) on Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 2:30 PM when a motorized banca carrying 15 passengers—7 adults aged 22 to 60 and 8 children aged 1 to 13—was en route from Peñaplata, IGACOS to Barangay Ilang in Tibungco District, Davao City. According to the initial investigation, the vessel capsized after being hit by strong waves and currents in the area.
The swift response of personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Caliclic, which holds jurisdiction over the area, along with the immediate assistance of floating assets and staff from Discovery Samal and Costa Marina Beach Resorts, was crucial in the successful rescue.
Resort personnel were the first to notice the distressed motorbanca and promptly conducted initial rescue operations while awaiting the arrival of CGSS Caliclic personnel. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident.
Medical teams from Discovery Samal Resort administered first aid to the rescued individuals, who were later assisted by Coast Guard and resort personnel in returning to DavSam Port, where they were safely reunited with their families.
Authorities commended the joint effort of public and private responders, noting the rescue as a powerful demonstration of community partnership in times of emergency.
“This successful operation is a testament to how collaboration between stakeholders can save lives. The immediate and coordinated response from both the private sector and our personnel ensured that everyone was brought to safety,” said an official from CGSS Caliclic.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety and preparedness, especially during unpredictable weather conditions.