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PCG conducts search ops for missing passengers, crew of MBCA Amejara; 1 survivor rescued

Article (news)

Ched Rick Gatchalian

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768886899463image.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>One survivor has been rescued so far on Tuesday morning, January 20, 2026, while several passengers and other crew members of MBCA Amejara are still missing, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Facebook/Philippine Coast Guard </div>MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued one survivor while it continues to search for the missing passengers and crew of MBCA Amejara, a recreational motorized banca that went missing while travelling from Sta. Ana, Davao City to Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.The PCG said a total of 13 individuals were onboard, consisting of nine passengers and four crew members.The motorized banca left around 8 p.m. on January 17, 2026 and was supposed to arrive at its destination on Monday, January 19, 2026, according to authorities&#x27; investigation.Upon receiving the report, the PCG said it has deployed its search and rescue operations (SAR) unit.PCG Spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said in a release that one survivor, a crew member of the boat, was rescued on 11 a.m. of Tuesday, January 20.“At around 11AM today, January 20, 2026, one survivor, a crew member of MBCA Amejara, was rescued while drifting in the waters off Sarangani,” Cayabyab shared.“Coast Guard SAR operations now cover the Sarangani area. Maritime patrols and coastal monitoring are being intensified, in coordination with fisherfolk communities and local government units,” she added. The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) assured the SAR team will double its effort to find the missing persons.“We assure that the search and rescue team will continue doubling its effort and do everything to locate the passengers and ensure their safety,” CGDSEM Commander Commodore Philipps Soria PCG said.CGDSEM also issued a Notice to Mariners (NOTAM) advising all ships and fisherfolk transiting within Davao Gulf to maintain heightened vigilance, especially in the waters of Malita, Sta. Maria, and Don Marcelino, up to Balut Island, Sarangani Island, Jose Abad Santos, North Jose Abad Santos, and Governor Generoso.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued one survivor while it continues to search for the missing passengers and crew of MBCA Amejara, a recreational motorized banca, that went missing while travelling from Sta. Ana, Davao City to Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued one survivor while it continues to search for the missing passengers and crew of MBCA Amejara, a recreational motorized banca, that went missing while travelling from Sta. Ana, Davao City to Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.