A woman died while 11 others were rescued after the pump boat they were riding capsized in the waters of Surigao City.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Surigao Station received a report that a maritime accident occurred morning on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

PCG personnel responded and located the boat overturned at sea. Eleven people on board, including the boat operator, were rescued, while the woman was missing.

Authorities searched the area and found the missing passenger, a 47-year-old resident of Barangay Buenavista, Butuan City.

She was brought to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

“Kani pud atong casualty, sir, dili kabalo mulangoy sir,” PCG Surigao del Norte Station Commander, Ens. Roy Christopher Orillaneda, said.

Based on investigation, the pump boat departed from Barangay Talisay heading to the mainland when it encountered unfavorable sea conditions near Barangay Day-asan, causing it to lose balance and capsized eventually.

“Na found out namo nga dili ni siya pampasaheroan pump boat ra gyud ni siya kanang gamay gisakyan og dose ka tao. Tapos diri dapit sa may (Brgy) Day-asan naka-encounter sila kanang unfavorable sea condition tapos ang statement sa boat operator na out of balance daw mao to sir nalunod,” Orillaneda added.

The individuals rescued are now in stable condition.

The boat operator was taken into custody initially but was released later after the passengers reportedly decided not to file charges.

“Mga recommendations kung unsa ang mga measures nga (himuon) kay layo-layo man gyud ni sila sir wala na’y makabantay kay naa man didto sa mga island brgys. Tapos didto sab mi sa MARINA para (mahibaw-an) kung unsa ang mga dapat nga lakang sir,” Orillaneda said.