The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) response to a maritime incident involving a half-submerged motorbanca at the vicinity waters between White Island and Barangay Pag-asa, San Jose Occidental Mindoro on 17 May 2023.

The motorbanca was en route from Calintaan to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, when they encountered big waves, causing seawater to enter.

The SAR team headed by San Nicolas Barangay Captain Oliver Jaranilla rescued five passengers of the half-submerged motorbanca.

The PCG and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) jointly conducted search and rescue (SAR) operations and ensured the safety of the last two passengers.

Rescued (all residents of Occidental Mindoro):

1. Bryan Mark Verden, 18

2. Rolan Tadia, 16

3. Niko Vinloan, 18

4. Mark Gonzales, 15

5. Martin Jacob, 12

6. Erick Naldo, 21

7. Arvin Padua, 25

After ensuring that all rescued passengers were in good physical condition, the SAR team also towed the motorbanca to the shoreline of Barangay Pag-asa in San Jose.

[Photos by San Jose MDRRMO]