BASILAN / ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE — Authorities have intensified search and information-gathering efforts after nine crew members aboard the motorized banca M/B Lady NURS went missing at sea, marking another alarming addition to the growing list of maritime incidents in waters between the Zamboanga Peninsula and Basilan.
The Basilan Maritime Police Station, together with the families of the missing crew, issued an urgent public appeal for information that could help locate the vessel and its passengers.
According to official reports, M/B Lady NURS departed Dipolog City at around 8:00 a.m. on January 23, 2026, bound for Maluso, Basilan, with nine crew members on board. At approximately 1:00 p.m. the same day, one of the crew members managed to contact family members, reporting that the vessel was experiencing engine trouble while navigating waters off Labason, Zamboanga del Norte.
The last recorded communication from the motor banca was at around 1:20 p.m., after which all contact was lost.
Since then, no further sightings or confirmed information about the vessel or its crew have been reported, raising serious concerns amid rough sea conditions and recurring maritime emergencies in the area in recent weeks.
“This incident underscores the urgent need for vigilance and cooperation,” maritime police said, as they stressed that every minute counts in locating missing persons at sea. Authorities are calling on fishermen, coastal residents, and passing vessels to immediately report any sighting of a banca in distress or any debris believed to be connected to M/B Lady NURS.
The Basilan Maritime Police and the families of the missing crew are urging anyone with information—no matter how small—to contact authorities immediately.
📞 HOTLINE: 0935-079-2771
📍 Or report to the nearest Maritime Police Station, Philippine Coast Guard unit, or any government office
As maritime incidents continue to rise in the Basilan–Zamboanga sea lanes, authorities renew their call for heightened maritime safety, timely reporting, and community cooperation, hoping that swift public response could still save lives.
The public is also encouraged to share verified information to help widen the search and bring the missing crew home.