The Philippine Coast Guard launched a search-and-rescue operation on Monday, December 2, after a passenger went missing in a maritime accident near Balabac, Palawan.
Hamirin Maddas, a resident of Barangay Salang, was traveling with two others on a yellow motorboat from Mangsee Island to Mainland Balabac. While navigating waters near Barangay Indalawan, their vessel experienced engine trouble, colliding with the cargo vessel ML Darwin, captained by Nonoy Bautista.
The ML Darwin, en route to load copra, rescued Maddas’ two companions, identified as Juhuri and Jebit, around 9:30 a.m. Juhuri sustained injuries and was rushed to Balabac District Hospital, while Jebit received care at the Rural Health Unit.
Maddas remains missing, prompting ongoing search efforts by Coast Guard District Palawan. Authorities are also investigating the incident to determine accountability and whether safety protocols were followed.
