ISABELA CITY, BASILAN – What was supposed to be a routine trip turned into a terrifying ordeal for passengers aboard a Weesam Fast Craft bound for Isabela City from Zamboanga City this morning, October 23, 2025.
According to initial reports, the vessel encountered a sudden technical malfunction while nearing Malamawi Island, preventing it from proceeding directly to port. Witnesses described how the fast craft began to circle aimlessly, appearing to lose control while passengers were ordered to remain onboard for safety.
Panic gripped the passengers as the craft swayed in the open sea. Some began to cry and pray, fearing the worst — that the vessel might sink.
Within minutes, local fishermen and personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard rushed to the scene. In a tense rescue operation, passengers were transferred one by one onto smaller boats that brought them safely to the port of Isabela.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, though many passengers were visibly shaken and traumatized by the experience.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while the fast craft company assured the public that the vessel will undergo thorough inspection and repair before resuming operations.