One of the missing passengers of a motorbanca that reportedly sank off Davao Occidental was found in North Sulawesi, Indonesia on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

According to the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), a local fisherman spotted the survivor, Jeboy Masalta, stranded on Kamboreng Island around 4 a.m.

Residents brought him to Kawio Island where he received initial medical assistance and care.

CGDSEM said that based on the survivor’s account, five people were on board MBCA Quessel-J before the incident.

The boat was traveling to Barangay Camalig in Sarangani from Barangay Barrio Bukid in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental when it encountered rough sea conditions and strong winds, and capsized on May 28, 2026.

After Masalta was found, local authorities and residents searched the waters and islands nearby for other survivors.

During the operation, they found the vessel Masalta and his companions rode. It had damage on its port side and was towed to Kawio Island.

CGDSEM said Masalta experienced physical exhaustion and psychological distress. He remains hopeful his companions are alive.

CGDSEM personnel coordinated with Indonesian maritime authorities for information sharing, case validation, and operational updates.

Search and rescue operations for the remaining passengers continue, as of this writing.

“The CGDSEM, remains committed to exhausting all available means and maintaining close interagency and international coordination to support the ongoing SAR mission and ensure the safe recovery of the remaining missing passengers,” CGDSEM said.