Search and rescue teams intensified operations Wednesday after a lone survivor was found drifting near the maritime boundary with Indonesia, while 14 others remain missing after their motorbanca capsized in the Davao Gulf.
The survivor, identified by the Philippine Coast Guard as crew member Christopher Bulig, was rescued around 11 a.m. Tuesday in waters off Sarangani, Davao Occidental.
Bulig was found near Marori, Indonesia, after strong currents carried him far from the vessel’s last known position.
The Philippine Air Force is medically evacuating Bulig from Balut Island to Camp Panacan Hospital in Davao City for treatment and psychosocial care.
The recreational vessel, MBCA Amejara, was reported missing Monday after failing to arrive at its destination in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
The boat departed Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City at 5:20 p.m. Sunday with 16 people on board but encountered rough seas and lost contact after 7 p.m.
The Coast Guard confirmed Wednesday that the vessel sailed without a permit from the Maritime Industry Authority and lacked the required travel clearance.
Initial reports listed brothers and businessmen Jaime and Jessie Tan among the missing, but family members and the Coast Guard later confirmed the two were not on the boat when it departed.
“Jong and Jing were not on the capsized boat. The early reports were based on a pre-submitted manifest,” Belinda Tan, Jaime’s wife, said in a social media post. “Our hearts remain with our missing friends and families.”
The search for the 14 remaining passengers and crew has expanded into a massive multi-agency operation involving 24 vessels and aerial reconnaissance by Black Hawk helicopters and Philippine Navy aircraft. Search patterns are currently focused on the Davao Gulf, Sarangani waters, and the Indonesian border.
Authorities have requested assistance from the Indonesian government as drift modeling suggests survivors or debris may have moved into international waters.
The Coast Guard identified the missing as boat master Patrocinio Genita III; crew members Christian Genita, Homer Bolasa and Lanorias Porferio Jr.; and passengers John Julius Alcazar, Herwin Tan, Earlan Uyking, Steven Tan, Hector Emberga, Rogelio Gomez, Anton Banzali, Levi Lao, Ace Cortez, Ranil Florino and Reymark Napole.
“The search will continue relentlessly until all missing individuals are found,” the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao said in a statement, while renewing warnings for boat operators to strictly follow safety protocols amid hazardous sea conditions.