BACOLOD City – Two fishermen were rescued unharmed after their motorbanca capsized in the waters off Sipaway Island, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, on October 31, 2026.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Coast Guard Station Northern Negros Occidental identified the rescued fishermen as Windros Caballero and Christian Peñalosa, both residents of Barangay San Juan, Sipaway Island.
Personnel of the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) San Carlos immediately launched a rescue operation after receiving a distress report from the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG).
The Disaster Response Group (DRG), aboard Rescue Boat “Poseidon,” responded to the incident alongside personnel from the San Carlos Bantay Dagat, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and PNP-MARIG.
Initial investigation showed that the motorbanca, identified as MBca Skyler, departed from the San Carlos Fish Port bound for Sipaway Island while carrying 40 sacks of cement.
However, the vessel reportedly encountered engine trouble while navigating rough waters amid big waves and strong currents, causing it to capsize, the PCG said in a social media post.
Both fishermen were found in good physical condition and sustained no injuries.
They were safely transported to shore aboard a Bantay Dagat motorbanca, while the capsized vessel was towed to the shoreline of Sipaway Island.
The PCG underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination in ensuring the safety of fishermen and other maritime travelers.
It also reminded fishermen and vessel operators to inspect their engines and safety equipment and check weather forecasts and sea conditions before sailing to prevent similar incidents./PN
