BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — Sixty-two people aboard a passenger motor launch were safely rescued after their vessel encountered engine trouble while sailing between Bongao and Mapun, Tawi-Tawi, prompting a swift Search and Rescue (SAR) operation by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday, July 27, 2026.
According to the Coast Guard, the distressed vessel, Motor Launch (M/L) TRISHA MAE, was carrying 52 passengers and 10 crew members when it developed engine problems while en route from Bongao to the island municipality of Mapun.
Upon receiving the distress report, the Coast Guard Station Central Tawi-Tawi, in close coordination with the Coast Guard Sub-Station Bongao, the Special Operations Group–Central Tawi-Tawi (SOG-CTT), and the Maritime Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU), immediately launched a Search and Rescue mission to locate and assist the stranded vessel.
The responding rescue team successfully located M/L TRISHA MAE at sea and safely towed it back to the Port of Bongao, ensuring that all 62 individuals on board were brought ashore without incident.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries or casualties were reported, with all passengers and crew members arriving at the port in good physical condition.
The successful rescue operation underscored the Philippine Coast Guard’s readiness to respond to maritime emergencies and its continued commitment to protecting lives at sea through rapid deployment, coordinated operations, and professional maritime service.
Maritime officials emphasized that prompt coordination among Coast Guard units played a crucial role in preventing what could have become a more serious incident, particularly given the challenges posed by open-sea travel in the waters surrounding Tawi-Tawi.
Following the incident, the Philippine Coast Guard renewed its appeal to all vessel operators to ensure their boats are fully seaworthy before every voyage by conducting thorough pre-departure inspections, particularly of engines and other critical mechanical systems. Passengers were likewise encouraged to remain vigilant, observe safety protocols, and cooperate with crew members during emergencies.
The PCG reiterated that maritime safety remains a shared responsibility and urged the public to immediately report any emergency at sea to the nearest Coast Guard station to facilitate a rapid and effective response.
The incident ended without tragedy, thanks to the timely intervention of Coast Guard personnel whose swift action ensured the safe return of every passenger and crew member aboard M/L TRISHA MAE.