PCG rescues 28 from grounded yacht in Tubbataha Reef

MANILA, June 16 ------ The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued 28 individuals from a motor yacht that ran aground at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan.

In an interview over DWWW 774 on Monday, PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the yacht, dubbed MY Philippine Siren 2, left Puerto Princesa City on Wednesday (June 10, 2026) for a diving expedition in Tubbataha Reef, carrying 14 divers and 14 Filipino crew members. The 14 divers were composed of nine Americans, three Germans and two Filipinos.

However, the vessel experienced a sudden squall while moored to an anchor buoy approximately 7.2 nautical miles northeast of Tubbataha Reef, causing it to run aground. "That's the time na nakatanggap tayo ng tawag, at agad naman nagpadala ng ating mga tauhan, kasama rin ang personnel ng Tubbataha Management Office," Cayabyab said.

The PCG deployed an oil spill boom around the grounded vessel as a precautionary measure, adding that no oil leaks had been detected as of the interview. She noted that vessels operating in Tubbataha Reef are required to secure a permit or clearance from the Tubbataha Management Office but advised that in case of maritime incidents in the area, they should immediately contact the PCG.

She cited the PCG's 10-30 doctrine, under which small floating assets must be deployed within 10 minutes and larger vessels within 30 minutes of receiving a distress call. To ensure maritime safety with the school year set to open within the week, PCG Commandant Rear Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has directed stricter enforcement of pre-departure inspections at all ports, ensuring no vessel departs with passengers beyond its authorized capacity. For her part, Cayabyab urged the public to monitor weather updates from PAGASA and to heed local directives on the mandatory wearing of life jackets when using motorboats and other small watercraft.

Source: pna.gov.ph