The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched a search-and-rescue operation for at least 11 recreational divers and crew after their dive-boat capsized off Davao Oriental in the southern Philippines.
The PCG said its vessel BRP Malamawi was deployed to the southern Davao Gulf to help locate those missing. Officials believe the divers may still be holding onto the overturned hull of the boat.
According to the report, the group departed from Governor Generoso at about 1pm on 19 January aboard a timber motor banca (outrigger boat) identified as MBCA Amejara, heading to a local dive-site. Later that afternoon, the Coast Guard station in Governor Generoso received a mobile-phone message reporting that the boat had capsized and that the divers were clinging to the hull at that time.
A Coast Guard officer told local outlet MindaNews that teams were searching the general area from which the message was received. Local divers also suggested currents could be pushing the banca west across the Davao Gulf, and there were unconfirmed reports that as many as 15 people might have been aboard, including the captain and crew.
The article notes that Mindanao sees limited international dive tourism, but Governor Generoso and local operators have been developing scuba diving in the area in recent years, with at least 14 dive-sites identified in local waters.
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