15 individuals rescued from half-submerged vessel in Basilan — PCG

At least 15 people were rescued from a half-submerged motor banca Sherylle off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan on Friday, February 27, 2026 by personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Hadji Muhtamad of Coast Guard Station Basilan.

The motor banca was about 4.0 nautical miles east of Baluk-Baluk Island when a search and rescue team was deployed following reports of the incident and after fishing vessel Marcus 308 responded to the emergency.

At least 15 persons were rescued, of which seven were crew members and eight were passengers of M/B Sherylle, with no reported casualties.

"All survivors were safely transported and underwent further medical assessment by the Brgy. Rural Health Unit (BRHU) Baluk-Baluk by 7PM on the same date," the PCG said in a statement.

"Initial findings revealed that the vessel was transporting water cargo when one of its tanks collapsed, causing the vessel to become imbalanced and take in water, which resulted in the motor banca to slowly submerge."

Coast Guard District Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CGDBARMM), on behalf of the PCG, continues to be committed to its duty of safeguarding lives at sea. — BAP, GMA Integrated News