Passenger motorbanca capsizes off Davao City, 19 rescued

DAVAO CITY – Nineteen individuals aboard a passenger motorbanca (pumpboat) from Samal Island bound for Davao City were rescued after their vessel sank off the waters of DBCOM, Panacan, Ilang, Davao City at around 11:05 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Davao Station, the motorbanca experienced engine trouble and was battered by strong waves, winds, and currents, causing it to capsize.

BRP Malamawi was deployed to assist in the rescue operation.

Emergency response units including PSSO, Central 911, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Task Force Davao also responded to the incident.

The rescued passengers were brought to the DPWH Panacan Wharf for medical assessment and assistance.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.