Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued 28 individuals from a motor yacht that ran aground at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan on Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab reported in an interview over DWWW 774 on Monday that the yacht, named MY Philippine Siren 2, departed from Puerto Princesa City on June 10, 2026, for a diving expedition in Tubbataha Reef. Onboard were 14 divers and 14 Filipino crew members.

The group of divers included nine Americans, three Germans, and two Filipinos. The vessel encountered a sudden squall while it was moored to an anchor buoy approximately 7.2 nautical miles northeast of Tubbataha Reef, leading to it running aground.

Cayabyab noted, "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 (That was when we received a call and we immediately deployed personnel, including those from the Tubbataha Management Office)."

As a precaution, the PCG deployed an oil spill boom around the grounded yacht, although no oil leaks were detected as of the interview. Cayabyab emphasized that vessels operating in Tubbataha Reef must secure a permit or clearance from the Tubbataha Management Office and should contact the PCG immediately in case of maritime incidents.

She also mentioned the PCG's 10-30 doctrine, which mandates the deployment of small floating assets within 10 minutes and larger vessels within 30 minutes of receiving a distress call.

To enhance maritime safety with the school year about to begin, PCG Commandant Rear Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has ordered stricter enforcement of pre-departure inspections at all ports, ensuring vessels do not exceed their authorized passenger capacity. Cayabyab also advised the public to stay informed about weather updates from PAGASA and to follow local directives on the mandatory wearing of life jackets when using motorboats and other small watercraft.