Survivor found as search continues for 14 missing in Sarangani boat tragedy

Search and rescue teams intensified operations after authorities confirmed that one survivor from a missing motorbanca was found drifting near the maritime boundary between the Philippines and Indonesia, while 14 other passengers and crew remain unaccounted for.

The lone survivor, identified as Christopher Bulis, a crew member of the motorbanca MBCA Amejara, was rescued around 11 a.m. on 20 January, in waters off Sarangani, perilously close to Marori, Indonesia, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The PCG said the discovery brought both relief and concern, underscoring how far the vessel and its occupants may have been carried by strong currents.

Bulis is being prepared for medical evacuation from Balut Island to Camp Panacan Hospital in Davao City via the Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao.

Authorities said he will undergo further medical treatment, debriefing, and psychosocial care, with health teams from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on standby to provide Psychosocial First Aid.

The Amejara, which had 15 people on board, was reported missing on 19 January, after it failed to arrive at its destination and lost contact while traveling through rough seas off Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

The vessel was en route to Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, when it reportedly encountered bad weather.

Search operations have since expanded across Sarangani waters, the Davao Gulf, and nearby coastal areas.

Black Hawk helicopters are conducting aerial reconnaissance toward General Santos City, while a Philippine Navy air asset scans for debris, life vests, or any sign of the missing passengers.

Meanwhile, three Philippine Navy vessels and two PCG vessels continue patrols, focusing on the banca’s last known position and probable drift routes. Onshore, local disaster response teams are combing coastlines and nearby communities for clues

As of this press time, authorities said all major search assets remained actively deployed, guided by drift modeling, wind direction, and prevailing sea currents.

Part of the operation has shifted southward, with particular attention to waters near the Indonesian maritime boundary, where strong currents may have carried survivors or debris.

Philippine authorities have also requested assistance from their Indonesian counterparts as the search edges closer to international waters.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region XI said it remains in close coordination with the Davao Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, municipal DRRM offices, and other regional agencies to ensure rapid deployment of additional resources if new leads emerge.

Those still missing include boat master Patrocinio Genita III; crew members Christian Genita, Homer Bolasa, and Lanorias Porferio Jr.; and passengers John Julius Alcain, Jessie Tan, Jaime Tan, Steven Tan, Hector Emberga, Eariano Uyking, Anton Banzali, Levi Lao, Herwin Tan, and Ace Cortez.

Despite hazardous sea conditions, authorities stressed that the search will continue relentlessly until all missing individuals are found.

Officials also renewed calls for boat operators to strictly follow weather advisories and maritime safety protocols, warning that sea conditions in the area remain dangerous.