- Coast Guard rescues survivor from missing vessel; 15 still unaccounted for
A CREW member from the missing recreational motorbanca MBCA Amejara was rescued on Tuesday morning, Jan. 20, but the mystery continues to shroud the still missing vessel and 15 individuals believed to be on board.
SEARCH and rescue teams rescued
A CREW member from the missing recreational motorbanca MBCA Amejara was rescued on Tuesday morning, Jan. 20, but the mystery continues to shroud the still missing vessel and 15 individuals believed to be on board.
The survivor, identified by the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao as Christopher Bulig was found at approximately 10:46 am. He was immediately transported to the hospital for medical attention.
The Coast Guard District-Southeastern Mindanao led the search operation, along with the Security Border Patrol Unit-Southeastern Mindanao, and the PNP Maritime Group.
Missing at sea
The MBCA Amejara was reported missing on Jan. 19, 2026, after departing Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City en route to Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. Along the way, it lost contact.
According to Notice to Mariners Number 01-2026 issued by the Coast Guard Station Davao Occidental, the vessel was last sighted in the vicinity waters off Sarangani, Davao Occidental , at approximately 3 p.m. on Jan. 19.
While earlier reports indicated 15 people were on board, CGDSEM clarified that the official manifest showed 16 individuals .
Massive search
As of 10:47 a.m. Tuesday, eight floating assets and specialized aircraft have been deployed to sweep Davao Gulf.
The combined force includes units from the Coast Guard, the Philippine Navy, and local partners.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also issued a Notice to Mariners for all vessels and fishermen transiting the Davao Gulf, requesting heightened vigilance in the waters off
Malita, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, in Davao del Sur; Balut Island, Sarangani Island, and Jose Abad Santos, in Davao Occidental, and Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
Mariners who sight the vessel are urged to render assistance and immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard unit.
Commodore Philipps Y. Soria, District Commander of CGDSEM, emphasized the urgency of the mission. “We assure that the search and rescue team will continue doubling its effort and do everything to locate the passengers and ensure their safety,” he stated.
