Coast Guard rescues 23 in Masbate

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January 5, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard rescued 23 people, including a captain and two crewmembers, after their recreational motorboat sank off San Pascual town in Masbate on Saturday, the PCG reported yesterday.

In a statement, the PCG said its District Southern Tagalog station received a distress call from RBCA Harlyn at 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 3.

The boat had 20 passengers from the port of San Andres in Quezon and was heading to Sombrero Island – a popular island-hopping destination in Masbate and known for its white sand, clear waters and camping sites.

According to the PCG, Harlyn sustained a hole in its hull and was already taking in seawater when the distress signal was made.

A search and rescue team was dispatched onboard RBCA Jerico to verify the incident. Recreational boat Harlyn 4 assisted the Coast Guard in its operation.

The team located Harlyn already half-submerged at 2 p.m. in the vicinity of Sombrero Island.

The PCG said the 23 rescued people were in safe condition and had no injuries when they continued on their way to the island.