Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the southern Philippines after a boat carrying recreational divers capsized off the coast of Davao Oriental, leaving eleven people missing, according to regional news reports citing Philippine Coast Guard operations.
Local outlet MindaNews reported that the divers departed the coastal town of Governor Generoso at around 1pm on Monday aboard a wooden banca identified as MBCA Amejara, bound for a nearby dive site in the Davao Gulf, when the vessel capsized in open water.
A separate report published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer independently confirms that the Philippine Coast Guard launched a coordinated search after receiving a distress alert, deploying personnel and assets including the patrol vessel BRP Malamawi to the area where the boat was last reported.
According to accounts cited by both publications, a mobile phone message was received by authorities indicating that the divers were attempting to stay afloat by holding onto the overturned hull, raising hopes during the early stages of the search as weather and sea conditions were assessed.
At the time of reporting, no official statement confirming recoveries or rescues had been released by the Coast Guard’s national headquarters, and search operations were continuing across the southern reaches of the Davao Gulf, where currents can carry drifting vessels significant distances within hours.
This remains a developing story. The Scuba News will continue to monitor verified updates from the Philippine Coast Guard.
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