The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has confirmed that one of the passengers from the distressed vessel MBCA Quessel-J, which originated from Davao Occidental, was discovered on Kamboreng Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on May 31, 2026.
Discovery and Rescue of Survivor
The CGDSEM received confirmation from Indonesian authorities regarding the discovery of the passenger. The survivor, identified as Jeboy Masalta, was spotted by a local Indonesian fisherman at approximately 4 a.m. while stranded on Kamboreng Island. Local residents promptly rescued Masalta and transported him to Kawio Island for immediate medical attention.
Reports indicate that Masalta was physically exhausted and psychologically distressed but remains optimistic that the other missing individuals will be found alive in the same area.
Details of the Incident
Masalta reported that there were five people on board the MBCA Quessel-J before it encountered trouble at sea. The whereabouts of the other four passengers are still unknown. The CGDSEM stated, "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."
Following Masalta's recovery, local authorities and residents in Indonesia conducted search efforts in the surrounding islands. During the search, the vessel was located between 6 and 9 a.m. local time. The marine vessel had sustained damage to its port side and was partially flooded. It was subsequently towed to Kawio Island.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations
The CGDSEM stated that search and rescue (SAR) operations are still active for the remaining passengers. The office is in constant coordination with Indonesian maritime authorities for information sharing, case validation, and operational updates. The CGDSEM is also working with other Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies, national government agencies, and local government units to locate the remaining four passengers.
Background of the Incident
Earlier, the CGDSEM reported that the MBCA Quessel-J, carrying five passengers, capsized on May 28, 2026. The passengers were traveling from Barangay Barrio Bukid in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, to Barangay Camalig in Sarangani Island. The vessel capsized due to rough seas and strong winds.
The vessel was operated by Jeboy Masalta and carried passengers Ariel Quia Tablingon, Aljude Ivan Quia Tablingon, Joreden Butal, and Rexex Jacar Quia. The incident was reported to Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Patuco at around 5:40 p.m. on May 28, 2026, prompting immediate SAR operations. The office also issued a Notice to Mariners informing all seagoing vessels in the area about the incident.
Multi-Agency Response
Following the report, the CGDSEM deployed BRP Malamawi (MRRV-2403) for SAR operations and coordinated with the Philippine Navy, which deployed BRP Tausug (LC-803), BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), and BA-488 IMPACT to augment maritime search efforts. The Philippine Air Force also deployed Black Hawk 754 to conduct aerial reconnaissance and expand search coverage.
