Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte — April 22, 2026
Four residents of Selinog Island were safely rescued after their motorbanca encountered engine trouble in rough waters between Aliguay Island and Selinog Island, prompting a swift search and rescue (SAR) operation by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local disaster responders.
According to an incident report, the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Dapitan received an alert at around 4:00 p.m. from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) regarding a distressed motorbanca (MBCA) navigating the area. The vessel, carrying four individuals from Selinog Island, reportedly lost engine power while at sea, leaving the passengers vulnerable amid unfavorable weather conditions.
Responding immediately, a composite SAR team from CGSS Dapitan and CDRRMO deployed the city’s Sea Ambulance to locate the stranded vessel. Despite rough sea conditions that posed operational challenges, the rescue team successfully found the distressed motorbanca at approximately 5:00 p.m., about an hour after the alert was received.
All four individuals onboard were safely retrieved and transferred to the Sea Ambulance, where they were given initial assistance.
The rescue team, along with the survivors, arrived safely at the shoreline of Barangay Talisay, Dapitan City at around 6:15 p.m. The rescued individuals were immediately provided with medical attention by CDRRMO personnel. Authorities reported that all four were in stable condition following the ordeal.
The Philippine Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring maritime safety and protecting lives at sea, emphasizing the importance of prompt coordination and response in emergency situations.
The incident underscores the persistent risks faced by small vessels navigating inter-island waters, particularly amid unpredictable sea conditions, and highlights the critical role of coordinated rescue efforts in preventing potential maritime tragedies.