The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued 28 individuals from a motor yacht that ran aground at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
In a radio interview on Monday, June 15, PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the yacht, named my Philippine Siren 2, left Puerto Princesa City on Wednesday, June 10, for a diving expedition in Tubbataha Reef. It carried 14 divers and 14 Filipino crew members. The divers included nine Americans, three Germans, and two Filipinos.
The vessel experienced a sudden squall while moored to an anchor buoy approximately 7.2 nautical miles northeast of Tubbataha Reef, causing it to run aground.
“That was when we received a call, and we immediately deployed our personnel, including those from the Tubbataha Management Office,” Cayabyab said.
Precautionary Measures
Cayabyab said the PCG deployed an oil spill boom around the grounded vessel as a precautionary measure. She confirmed that no oil leaks had been detected as of the interview.
She noted that vessels operating in Tubbataha Reef are required to secure a permit or clearance from the Tubbataha Management Office. In case of maritime incidents in the area, they should immediately contact the PCG.
Cayabyab cited the PCG’s 10-30 doctrine, under which small floating assets must be deployed within 10 minutes and larger vessels within 30 minutes of receiving a distress call.
