The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responded to a maritime incident reported on 22 January 2023 and successfully rescued a U.S. citizen on board a watercraft at the Pacific Ocean approximately 140 nautical miles off Daku Island, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, today, 25 January 2023.
The distressed watercraft "MI AMOR" broke its propeller during its voyage from Palau to the Philippines. It was also reported to be taking in water.
The U.S. Coast Guard Sector-Guam immediately coordinated with the PCG-manned Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center-Manila for assistance.
PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, ordered the deployment of a Coast Guard aircraft to monitor the location of the distressed personal watercraft.
While the skipper of said watercraft, Mr. Dan Michaels, was able to fix the propeller later in the day, BRP Panglao (FPB-2404) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) still proceeded to the said area to preposition for necessary assistance.
"We assured the U.S. Coast Guard Sector-Guam that we will render appropriate assistance to Mr. Michaels and ensure that he will return home in good physical condition," CG Admiral Abu said.
"This operation is part of our Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (AMSAR) agreement with the U.S. signed in July 2021 to enhance our effectiveness in mutually assisting persons and vessels in distress at our adjacent waters," the Coast Guard Commandant added.
Furthermore, the PCG coordinated with other agencies through direct communication between the said SAR coordination nodes.
The distress call was not only responded to by the Coast Guard District Northeastern Mindanao but also with the help of the Coast Guard Station Siargao, Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command, Philippine National Police, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, and Alegria Barangay Captain Eduardo Lasco, as part of bolstering the AMSAR agreement.
The distressed watercraft and Mr. Michaels were secured and properly assisted at Alegria, Santa Monica, Surigao del Norte.
Palau, an island nation in the Pacific, is a U.S. jurisdiction. It shares a maritime border with the Philippines at the latter's eastern seaboard.