At least 51 persons were rescued in the vicinity of Barangay Caw-oy and Barangay Sabang, Olango Island in Lapu-Lapu City on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 after their motorbanca submerged in seawater.

According to the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), the motorbanca was on its way to Olango Island from Caubian Island.

The motorbanca submerged in the vicinity of Barangay Sabang, Olango Island at 10:30 a.m. morning on February 25, 2025.

Fishermen of Barangay Caw-oy and Barangay Sabang were the first to reach the scene and help rescue the passengers.

During news gathering, the Coast Guard Substation in Olango said that it has not issued a statement yet on their investigation.

Meanwhile, according to an investigation conducted by Police Station 1, the boat was cruising toward Olango Island when the engine conked out suddenly.

The boat crew tried to fix the engine, but it failed to rev up.

Water filled the boat as big waves continued to batter the vessel.

According to Mark Vincent Inoc, one of the passengers, they were from a fiesta celebration in Caubian Island and were bound for home in Barangay Sabang when they were battered by huge waves.

At about 2 p.m. on February 25, 2025, all 51 persons on board "MB Ningning” were submitted to a post-search and rescue operation assistance by the Lapu-Lapu City DRRMO.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Visayas said that it has not issued any gale warning in the Visayas. However, PAGASA said that because of the stronger northeast monsoon (Amihan) affecting Luzon, "unos" or squalls of driving rain will be experienced from time to time.