Search, rescue, retrieval ops for missing MBCA Amejara terminated

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has terminated the search, rescue, and retrieval operations for the missing MBCA Amejara in Davao Occidental waters.

In a statement, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) announced the termination of the search, rescue, and retrieval operations after a month since the boat went missing on January 19.

“Throughout this period, all available surface, aerial, and coastal monitoring assets were deployed across designated search areas, including projected drift paths determined through prevailing weather conditions and oceanographic assessments,” the CGDSEM said.

“Through these concerted efforts, one survivor was successfully rescued. Despite extended search coverage and continuous inter-agency coordination, no additional survivors were located,” it added.

On January 19, the boat carrying 15 persons, including 11 passengers and four crew members, went missing in the waters of Davao Occidental.

The boat was last seen in Sarangani and was en route to Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.

As of January 24, the Coast Guard reported that five cadavers believed to be from the ill-fated boat had been found.

The operations for the missing boat were expanded to Indonesian waters in the hope of finding more survivors.

“To the families and loved ones of those who remain missing, CGDSEM conveys its deepest sympathies and unwavering solidarity. We acknowledge the profound pain and uncertainty brought by this tragedy,” the CGDSEM said.

“CGDSEM assures the public that any verified information, credible reports, or recovered materials possibly related to MBCA AMEJARA will continue to be received, evaluated, and acted upon accordingly, should circumstances warrant further action,” it added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News