The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responds to a maritime incident involving a motorbanca with 10 passengers on board that capsized at the vicinity waters off Hilutungan Channel, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu at around 02:00 a.m. today, 09 November 2021.

Seaborne Cargo 5 was transiting at the said vicinity waters when the accident occurred. Hence, they were able to rescue eight of the 10 passengers of the distressed motorbanca.

Immediately, one of the crew members of Seaborne Cargo 5, Mr. Jebzrhael Sarapao coordinated with the PCG District Central Visayas for necessary assistance. He also communicated that their vessel was heading to Tagbilaran City with eight rescued individuals, but two passengers remain missing.

Subsequently, the PCG District Central Visayas directed the PCG Sub-Station Olango to conduct search and rescue (SAR) operations.

The PCG Station Western Bohol was also instructed to receive the rescued individuals who disembarked in Tagbilaran City.

At around 06:18 a.m., the SAR team was able to rescue one of two missing persons at the vicinity waters off Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. He was identified as 43-year-old Arnel Balingit, a resident of Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City. He was in good physical condition when he was turned over to the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) for further assistance.

At around 06:23 a.m., BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) departed from Port of Cebu en route to Hilutungan Channel to assist the PCG Sub-Station Olango in looking for the last missing passenger.