Davao city: After 16 days of exhaustive search and rescue operations, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Southeastern Mindanao commander, Commodore Philipps Soria, announced a shift to search and retrieval efforts for the missing MBCA Amejara. The recreational boat was reported missing on January 19 in the Davao Gulf after setting off from Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operations up to this point have resulted in the rescue of one survivor and the recovery of six bodies believed to be from the MBCA Amejara. Commodore Soria explained in a press briefing that after evaluating all available information and operational conditions, the likelihood of finding further survivors is no longer feasible. Consequently, the search and rescue operations have been formally concluded.

Despite extensive surface, shoreline, and aerial searches conducted in the Davao Region and nearby Indonesian areas, Commodore Soria stated that further search-and-rescue efforts would be unproductive. He expressed the PCG's deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those aboard the missing vessel, acknowledging the emotional and psychological impact of the incident.

Soria assured that efforts to locate and recover the remains of the vessel's passengers and crew would continue, with a focus on maintaining respect and dignity. He emphasized that while active rescue operations have ended, the search and retrieval mission will persist, concentrating on recovering the vessel, its passengers and crew, and any associated wreckage.

The PCG, under Soria's leadership, plans to remain in close coordination with partner agencies, regional partners, local governments, relevant agencies, and maritime stakeholders. They will act immediately on any new credible information regarding MBCA Amejara.