DAVAO CITY — Nineteen passengers were safely rescued after their motorbanca capsized off the coast of Ilang, Davao City on Saturday, authorities confirmed.
The Philippine Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao reported that the vessel experienced engine failure while navigating near DBCOM in Panacan. It was eventually overwhelmed by strong waves and currents.
Coast Guard units from Ilang and Lasang, along with the BRP Malamawi, launched a search and rescue mission at 11:05 a.m. All individuals on board were successfully recovered and brought to the Department of Public Works and Highways Panacan Wharf for medical evaluation.
Officials are now investigating the incident to improve maritime safety protocols.