Twenty-two people, including 18 passengers and four crew members, were rescued on Thursday afternoon, November 6, after their passenger motor-banca partially submerged off Camandag Island in Sto. Niño, Samar.
The vessel, identified as MBCA Raignzel, was navigating rough seas when it encountered strong winds and large waves that overwhelmed the hull and caused water to rush into the boat.
A final report issued Saturday, November 8, by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)–Eastern Visayas detailed that the boat had departed from Calbayog City at noon en route to the island town of Almagro when the incident occurred.
Weather and sea conditions had been calm at departure, but a sudden squall from the north drastically shifted conditions by around 1:40 p.m., battering the vessel and leading to the partial submersion.
All passengers and crew, led by boat captain Dino Palma, were safely rescued by responders aboard MBCA JJ Bros, which was among several community support groups mobilized for the emergency.
The PCG reported that every person on board was later confirmed to be in good physical condition.
The Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Calbayog received the first distress call from a concerned citizen at 1:48 p.m.
Personnel immediately coordinated with the local government of Sto. Niño and nearby community partners for the deployment of rescue units.
A quick response team from CGSS Calbayog, together with the Coast Guard Intelligence Group–Eastern Visayas, proceeded to the site using a rescue speedboat borrowed from the Calbayog City government.
By 3:15 p.m., rescuers confirmed that everyone from MBCA Raignzel had been accounted for.
The distressed vessel was subsequently towed by MBCA JJ Bros to Sto. Niño town, with escort from a Coast Guard vessel.
The towing operation concluded at 7:40 p.m., bringing the boat back to Barangay Basud, where passengers and crew were turned over to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for medical evaluation and further assistance.
Initial investigation showed that the 34.73-gross-ton vessel, owned by Ranel Geras of Barangay Malobago in Almagro, was carrying residents of Samar, except for one passenger from Quezon City.
Authorities stated that despite the favorable weather at departure, the sudden change in wind direction and intensity caused hazardous waves strong enough to compromise the boat’s structure.
The Coast Guard has since advised Captain Palma to file a marine protest as part of standard procedure.
Officials also announced that once the weather stabilizes, a full vessel safety enforcement inspection will be conducted on MBCA Raignzel to assess damage and ensure compliance with maritime safety regulations.
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