The Philippine Coast Guard successfully rescued all 19 passengers and crew of an outrigger-equipped boat after it capsized off Davao City in the southern Philippines on Saturday, March 22.
The coast guard said the unnamed boat had suffered engine trouble, which then caused it to drift. It was later overwhelmed by strong currents causing it to capsize and leaving its occupants stranded.
At around 11:05 local time on Saturday Coast Guard Station Davao immediately directed Coast Guard Sub-Stations Ilang and Lasang, along with the fast patrol boat BRP Malamawi to verify the report of the incident and conduct a search and rescue (SAR) operation.
The coast guard, with the assistance of local partner agencies including the Philippine Army and the Bureau of Fire Protection, safely pulled all 19 people out of the water. The survivors were later brought to Davao City's Panacan Wharf, where they were assessed by coast guard medical personnel.
Local authorities have since begun an investigation into the incident.