All 66 passengers and crew aboard the motorized banca MBCA Black Pearl were safely rescued Sunday afternoon, January 4, 2026, after the vessel experienced engine trouble off San Vicente, Olango Island.
Initial reports said the banca had departed Maribago Wharf en route to San Vicente when engine overheating, caused by an airlock, led to a loss of maneuverability amid rough seas.
Strong winds and waves pushed the vessel toward shallow waters, causing minor hull damage, including a hole in the aft section below the waterline.
The Coast Guard Substation Lapu-Lapu, led by Lt. (j.g.) Jordz Emata, was first on the scene. Rescue efforts were coordinated with the Lapu-Lapu City Government through its Coastal Resource Management Office, along with the Olango Maritime Police and Bantay Dagat.
Authorities deployed five speedboats and another motorized banca to evacuate the passengers.
All 48 Korean nationals and 18 crew members were safely ferried to shore in Barangays Maribago and Marigondon.
The Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Philippine National Red Cross were on standby for medical assistance, but no injuries or casualties were reported.
Mayor Cindi King-Chan instructed the Coastal Resource Management Office, Lapu-Lapu City Rescue, and Bantay Dagat to continue monitoring the area to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
As of Sunday, the MBCA Black Pearl remains grounded near the incident site and is expected to be towed to a safe anchorage once weather conditions and tide levels improve. (VCL)
