18 People Pulled From Half Submerged Boat As Rescuers Battle Rough Philippine Seas

Philippine Coast Guard personnel filmed the intense rescue of 18 people after Motorbanca Geri Ann was found half-submerged in rough waters off Calayan, Cagayan, on September 5, 2026.

The vessel was reported about 4.60 nautical miles southeast of Barangay Magsidel. Coast Guard Station Calayan personnel and volunteer rescuers aboard M/B Claricel reached the area at approximately 4:56 PM and located the distressed banca.

All 18 people onboard were accounted for and safely rescued, including seven crew members and 11 passengers.

The footage shows rescuers working from wooden outrigger-style boats in gray, choppy water. Men in orange Philippine Coast Guard life vests handle ropes and a life ring as the half-submerged banca sits low in the waves.

In another sequence, rescuers lean over the gunwale, pulling someone or equipment from the water while waves wash across the deck. Multiple rescuers and civilians can also be seen hauling lines toward the distressed vessel and people in the sea.

M/B Claricel towed M/B Geri Ann toward the shoreline of Barangay Magsidel, where the vessel was secured at approximately 6:10 PM.

At around 7:15 PM, all 18 rescued individuals were brought to the Calayan Rural Health Unit for medical assessment and were all found in good physical condition.