The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully rescued all 11 crew members of a half-submerged motorbanca found drifting 2 nautical miles west of Ambil Island in Looc, Occidental Mindoro on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.

According to a report from the PCG Sub-Station (CGSS) Lubang, the motorbanca, MBCA God’s Grace 9, was en route from the Port of Lubang to the Port of Calatagan in Batangas when it encountered large waves and was struck by a floating object, causing damage to its starboard side.

The crew’s attempts to patch the hole were unsuccessful, resulting in the vessel becoming half-submerged, PCG said.

PCG initiated a search and rescue (SAR) operation after receiving a distress report from the motorbanca’s owner.

Utilizing the motor vessel MV Lubang Express, CGSS Lubang team located the distressed motorbanca and rescued all 11 crew members, including the captain, who were found to be in good condition.

PCG has commended the swift response of the CGSS Lubang personnel and the cooperation of the MV Lubang Express in ensuring the safety of the crew.