ZAMBOANGA CITY — A 24-year-old crew member of a motor banca was rescued after he reportedly fell overboard while the vessel was sailing near Pangapuyan, Sacol Island, Zamboanga City, prompting a search-and-rescue operation by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and assistance from local security personnel.
The rescued crew member was identified as Elizer F. Solis, a resident of Barangay Labuan, Zamboanga City. He was subsequently transported to the Zamboanga City Medical Center for medical evaluation and appropriate treatment, according to an incident report released by the Coast Guard Station Zamboanga.
The incident involved MBCA Nehada Remembrance and occurred on October 20, 2026, while the vessel was reportedly traveling toward Sibago Island in the municipality of Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.
Initial inquiries indicated that Solis accidentally fell into the water while the motor banca was underway. The circumstances surrounding the incident, including how he fell overboard and how long he remained missing, were not detailed in the report.
Upon receiving the alert, Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Arena Blanco immediately mobilized its Deployable Response Group (DRG) to conduct search-and-rescue operations. The responders used a borrowed fishing motor banca to reach the reported area and search for the missing crew member.
The search continued until the Coast Guard received information at approximately 12:20 a.m. on October 21 that Solis had been found along the shoreline of Barangay Tigtabon Island. Members of the Special Civilian Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) under Task Force Zamboanga reportedly located him.
Following the discovery, the Coast Guard search-and-rescue team proceeded to Tigtabon Island to assist Solis and transport him to Barangay Arena Blanco. He was then transferred to a Coast Guard Isuzu truck and taken to the Zamboanga City Medical Center, where he was received by an attending physician for further assessment and treatment.
The report did not specify Solis’s medical condition upon rescue or provide further details about the circumstances of his recovery.
The incident underscores the risks faced by crew members and passengers traveling through Philippine waters, particularly when emergencies occur away from shore and require coordination among maritime authorities and local responders.
The PCG said the operation reflected its commitment to responding to maritime emergencies and protecting lives at sea. The successful recovery also highlighted the role of coordination between the Coast Guard and partner personnel on the ground.
Further details about the incident, including the condition of the rescued crew member and any subsequent investigation, were not included in the report.