- Survivor returns home as no signs yet for lost vessel
A MULTI-AGENCY search party continues to sweep the waters of Davao Occidental for any signs of the 15 missing passengers and the vessel MBCA/Amejara, which reportedly sank in heavy seas on Monday, Jan. 19.
One survivor was rescued and allowed to go home to his residence in Davao del Norte following a routine medical evaluation.
Identified as crew member Christopher Tecson Bulig, he was rescued at approximately 10:46 a.m. on Jan. 20 near the municipal waters of Jose Abad Santos.
In a message to TIMES on Wednesday afternoon, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Captain Noemi Cayabyab said, “Ongoing po ngayon ang aerial and surface search and rescue operation. We will provide an update once we receive development in the search area.”
In an interview with DXDC Davao, Cayabyab quoted the survivor as saying that the vessel was overwhelmed by “sudden, powerful waves.”
While Bulig managed to swim toward the coast of Barangay Laker in Sarangani, he reported seeing his companions clinging to floating debris as the boat went under.
The PCG District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has deployed both aircraft and floating assets to scan the area for the 15 remaining individuals.
However, the exact number of missing persons is currently under scrutiny.
Cayabyab noted that investigators are verifying reports that at least one individual on board was not included in the official passenger manifesto.
Furthermore, authorities are looking into whether the MBCA/Amejara possesses the necessary permits and safety documentation to operate.
The Incident Command on Watch said the search operations involved multiple floating and aerial assets actively deployed across the affected maritime areas.
Deployed SAR Assets
CGDSEM
• BRP Malamawi
CGS Davao Occidental
• Loaned Motorbanca (MBCA)
• RHIB 01
Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM)
• LC296
• PS 37
Philippine Air Force (PAF)
• S-70i Black Hawk Helicopter No. 101
Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao (CGDSM)
• BRP Panglao
• MCS 3010
Summary of assets deployed
• Total Floating Assets: 6
• Total Aircraft Deployed: 1
The PCG remains hopeful as the search drags on the second day, focusing on drift patterns toward the Sarangani and Jose Abad Santos coastlines.
