The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Friday, Jan. 23, that it has coordinated with the Indonesian government in the search for missing passengers of the motorbanca MBCA Amejara.

PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said search and rescue (SAR) efforts were intensified while search areas were further expanded from Davao Gulf, down to Sarangani, and even to the Indonesian border far south due to the strong current.

“From Sarangani Island, the possible drifting zone has extended to the Indonesian border. We also consider areas within Sarangani where other missing individuals may be located,” she said.

Weather conditions remain challenging in the area and according to SAR teams, waves and currents were still strong which only complicate rescue operations.

As such, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) deployed its fixed-wing aircraft, Islander 251, to support the ongoing search.

“We use all available PCG vessels along with the Philippine Navy. We also utilized our aircraft. All efforts are being exerted to locate the missing individuals,” Cayabyab added.

The PCG has also intensified information campaigns in coastal areas near the incident site.

Vessels transiting from Davao Gulf to Davao Occidental have been asked to be on the lookout for unusual objects on the sea surface and to render assistance if needed.

Despite all efforts, Cayabyab reported that no debris or life vests have been found as of press time.

However, she said the PCG remains hopeful that they will find the 12 passengers and three crew members.

“We are still in high hopes that we can find these missing individuals. All search and rescue approaches, including deployment of air and floating assets, are being exerted to pursue the location of these missing individuals. Rest assured that the PCG, along with other agencies, will not stop searching,” Cayabyab said.

MBCA Amejara, a rented recreational boat carrying 16 individuals including 12 tourists for fishing, departed Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City on January 17, bound for Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.

The boat was expected to arrive on Jan. 19 but strong winds, currents, and high waves in the Davao Gulf caused it to capsize.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) immediately conducted SAR operations which resulted in the rescue of Christoper Bulig, a crew member, who was found clinging into a floating debris after 21 hours of search, roughly 70 nautical miles from Barangay Laker, Sarangani.

Meanwhile, the commander of the Coast Guard Sub-Station Santa Ana and seven others were relieved by the CGDSEM following the disappearance of the MBCA Amejara.

The PCG earlier said it was verifying reports that the boat sailed without a PCG clearance. The vessel was reportedly not allowed to venture out due to the absence of a permit from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), but still sailed.