Motorized boat with 13 people on board reported missing

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January 21, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A search and rescue operation has been launched for a motorized boat that was reported missing in the waters off Davao over the weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported yesterday.

The M/Bca Amejara was on its way to Governor Generoso town in Davao Oriental from Barangay Sta. Ana in Davao City when it encountered strong winds and big waves.

The Amejara, a recreational boat, was carrying 13 people including four crewmembers, according to Capt. Noemie Cayabyab, spokesperson for the PCG.

Of the 13, only one – a crewmember – has been rescued as of yesterday.

The crewmember was found drifting in the waters off Sarangani, Cayabyab said.

She said the Amejara departed Barangay Sta. Ana at 8 p.m. on Saturday and was expected to arrive in Governor Generoso on Monday.

A notice to mariners has been issued, advising all ships and fisherfolk transiting within the Davao Gulf to be on the lookout for the passengers and crewmembers of the Amejara, particularly along the coasts of Don Marcelino, Malita and Sta. Maria.

Fishermen and vessels sailing through the waters off Balut and Sarangani islands, Jose Abad Santos, North Jose Abad Santos and Governor Generoso were also urged to help find the missing people.

Meanwhile, a motorized boat with 66 people on board sank in the waters of Simunul, Tawi-Tawi on Monday.

The PCG said the wooden-hulled M/B Sitti Nur was headed to Simunul from Bongao when it was battered by strong winds and big waves.

Responding members of the PCG and the Maritime police launched a search and rescue operation after receiving distress calls sent by some passengers.

The rescue team found the passengers clinging to the debris of the boat.

The survivors were brought to the port of Bongao where they were given medical attention.