ZAMBOANGA CITY — A joint search and rescue (SAR) team safely rescued 253 passengers and crew members from a distressed motorbanca that suffered engine failure off the waters of Basilan recently, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
The incident involved MBCA Julifer, which encountered engine trouble near the vicinity of Lampinigan Island while en route from Zamboanga City to Laminusa Island in Siasi, Sulu, on February 6.
According to the PCG, the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) received a phone call from one of the passengers reporting the vessel’s mechanical failure. The Coast Guard Station (CGS) Isabela immediately coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Basilan and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) of Isabela to initiate search and rescue operations.
The PCG also deployed BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401) to augment ongoing rescue efforts.
Of the total passengers on board, 205 were transferred to BRP Tubbataha and transported safely to the Zamboanga City Pier. Another 21 passengers were transferred to a patrol boat of the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group and brought to Isabela Port.
Meanwhile, 11 passengers and 16 crew members remained aboard the motorbanca and were later escorted safely to Isabela by responding authorities.
The PCG said all 253 individuals were rescued without any reported injuries.
The Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to maritime safety, emphasizing the importance of swift coordination among government agencies during emergencies at sea.
(PHOTO CREDIT: PCG Facebook page)