Nine crew members were rescued after a tugboat ran aground off Barangay Bangan in Botolan, Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
The incident involving MTUG SL SUAL 1 occurred on August 14, 2026, after the crew noticed seawater entering the vessel through a breach in its hull while the tugboat was anchored.
The crew decided to ground the vessel in shallow waters to prevent the situation from worsening. The PCG, working with the Botolan Response Team and local fisherfolk, then mounted a rescue operation that safely evacuated all nine crew members.
The rescued crew were reported to be in good condition. Authorities also said no oil spill was observed in the area.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the operation underscored the Coast Guard’s continuing commitment to saving lives during maritime emergencies.
The rescue also highlighted the PCG’s intensified community-based response efforts, which aims to strengthen coordination with coastal communities and ensure faster responses when maritime incidents occur.