PCG rescues 15 off Baluk-Baluk Island

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

March 2, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard rescued 15 people after their boat almost sank off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Friday, the PCG said.

In a social media post, the PCG Sub-Station Hadji Muhtamad reported that M/B Sherylle was transporting water in several tanks when it encountered rough seas near the island.

One of the tanks reportedly collapsed, creating an imbalance and causing the vessel to become half-submerged.

The PCG said M/B Sherylle had 15 people onboard – seven crewmembers and eight passengers.

“The fishing vessel Marcus 308 of Mega Fishing Corp. was passing by the area and lent assistance to the distressed passengers and crew,” the PCG reported.

According to the PCG, a search and rescue team was dispatched despite rough sea conditions and arrived at Baluk-Baluk at 7:05 p.m. to conduct ship-to-shore transfer.

All 15 survivors were brought to the barangay rural health unit in Baluk-Baluk, where a medical team checked on their conditions.

The PCG advised the boat captain to file a marine protest – a formal statement detailing the circumstances of the incident and submitted to the Coast Guard.