A search and rescue operation is underway in the Philippines after a dive boat, MBCA Amejara, capsized off Sarangani on Monday, January 19. The Philippine Coast Guard is searching for 15 people – 11 divers and four crew members – after receiving a distress signal from those onboard.
Search Efforts Underway
The Coast Guard deployed the patrol boat BRP Malamawi toward the last known coordinates of the MBCA Amejara. Authorities are also focusing their search on the area where a text message from the divers was traced. As of Tuesday, January 20, no sign of the vessel had been found.
Additional naval assets have been mobilized to assist in the search. The landing craft BRP Tagbanua left General Santos City Monday night to patrol waters near Don Marcelino and Santa Maria. The patrol ship BRP Artemio Ricarte departed Davao City early Tuesday, and the vessel BA491 is operating northeast of Botak Point, Malita, Davao Occidental. A Beechcraft King Air C90 aircraft is also conducting aerial surveillance over Davao Gulf.
Missing Individuals
The following individuals remain missing: John Julius Alcain, Ace Cortez, Anton Banzali, Homer Bolasa, Hector Emberga, Patrocinio Genita III (boat master), Christian Genita, Levi Lao, Herwin Tan, Jaime Tan, Jessie Tan, Lanorias Porferio Jr., Steven Tan, and Eariano Uyking.
Coast Guard stations in Balut Island, Jose Abad Santos, and Governor Generoso town in Davao Oriental have been instructed to monitor the area and provide assistance to any potential survivors. Authorities reported that those on board were clinging to the overturned hull of the boat when the text message was sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the dive boat?
The MBCA Amejara capsized off Sarangani on Monday afternoon, January 19. The Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation for the 15 people on board.
Has anyone been found?
Yes, one crew member, Christopher Bulig, was found late in the morning on Tuesday, January 20, and received medical care.
What areas are being searched?
The search is focused off Sarangani, near Don Marcelino, Santa Maria, and Botak Point, Malita, Davao Occidental, and includes aerial surveillance over Davao Gulf.
What factors could influence the outcome of the search and rescue operation?
