Maritime authorities rescued 10 individuals, including children, from a motorized banca that encountered distress in the waters off Basilan province on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the police confirmed on Thursday, July 9.
Rescue Operation Details
Police Major Benzar Mukarram, chief of the Basilan Maritime Police Station (Basilan MARPSTA), reported that the rescue occurred around 5:10 p.m. in the seawaters of North Gaunan village, Maluso town. A concerned citizen alerted the station at approximately 5 p.m. about a motorized banca in distress requesting immediate assistance.
The Basilan MARPSTA deployed personnel using the High-Speed Tactical Watercraft-16 (HSTW-16). According to Mukarram, the engine of the motorized banca malfunctioned after being struck by strong waves while traveling from Takela Island to North Gaunan village, due to inclement weather brought by Tropical Storm Inday.
Successful Rescue and Safety Reminder
“Within 10 minutes, responding maritime personnel successfully located the vessel and safely rescued all 10 passengers before transporting them to shore,” Mukarram stated. The rescued individuals were taken to the Basilan MARPSTA office for proper disposition. No injuries or casualties were reported among the passengers or the rescue team.
Mukarram reminded the public, especially fishermen and sea travelers, to monitor weather updates and heed advisories from relevant government agencies before setting sail to help prevent maritime incidents.
