The Philippine Coast Guard, through the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), successfully carried out separate maritime operations in the waters off Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro on May 25, 2026, rescuing passengers from a distressed motorbanca and recovering an unattended drifting vessel.
In Mati City, personnel of Coast Guard Station (CGS) Pujada and Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Pujada immediately responded to a distressed motorbanca identified as MBCA J-Twins after it suffered engine failure off Oak Island in Barangay Lawigan.
According to the report, Coast Guard rescuers were swiftly deployed after receiving a distress call regarding the stranded vessel. Responders safely assisted all passengers onboard and secured the motorbanca near Oak Island to prevent it from drifting further into open waters.
The vessel was later towed by MBCA Pier 1 en route to Pujada Island, ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew. No injuries or casualties were reported during the incident.
Authorities said the successful rescue operation demonstrated the Coast Guard’s readiness and commitment to maritime safety, particularly in ensuring the protection of lives at sea amid emergencies in coastal waters.
Meanwhile, in a separate maritime patrol operation, personnel of CGDSEM through Coast Guard Sub-Station Tagdangua recovered an unattended drifting motorbanca within the municipal waters of Pantukan, Davao de Oro.
The vessel was spotted drifting near Sitio Limot in Barangay Tagdangua during a routine seaborne patrol. Coast Guard personnel immediately secured and towed the motorbanca to the CGSS Tagdangua station for safekeeping to prevent possible damage and avoid creating navigational hazards for passing vessels.
Later that same morning, the owner of the recovered motorbanca arrived at the station and presented the required documents, including a valid Small Ships Enrolled in Nation (SSEN) registration and Municipal Fishing License. After verification, the vessel was safely turned over to its owner.
The Coast Guard emphasized the importance of proper vessel registration and compliance with maritime regulations, noting that these measures greatly assist authorities in identifying and returning recovered boats while promoting safer maritime operations.
CGDSEM reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safety and security in the region’s coastal and municipal waters through continuous patrols, rapid emergency response, and strengthened coordination with coastal communities and maritime stakeholders.