A motor banca carrying 19 people — among them three children and a senior citizen — went down in waters off Olango Island and Punta Engaño in Lapu-Lapu City in the early hours of Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with all aboard subsequently rescued, Lapu-Lapu City Rescue confirmed.
Bohol-Bound Trip Turns Into Emergency
The Lapu-Lapu City Information Office identified the vessel as the MBCA Clares. It had departed Jagoliao Island in Getafe, Bohol, at approximately 2:30 a.m., heading toward Pasil in Cebu City when the incident took place. The passengers — residents of Cebu City and Mandaue City — had been on their way home after observing All Souls' Day at cemeteries.
Engine Malfunction Led to Flooding
According to Lapu-Lapu City Rescue, the boat's engine malfunctioned mid-voyage, which allowed seawater to flood the hull and caused the craft to sink.
MV Edgel Express V and Coast Guard Pull Survivors to Shore
All 19 passengers were retrieved from the water by the MV Edgel Express V and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel stationed in the area. Survivors were brought to Hilton Wharf, where city rescuers were on hand. The Lapu-Lapu City Information Office said passengers received food and medical attention before being sent home.
Captain Under Coast Guard Inquiry
The Philippine Coast Guard Lapu-Lapu City Station has launched a formal investigation into the boat's captain in connection with the sinking, the Lapu-Lapu City Information Office reported.
Source: Lapu-Lapu City Information Office
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Lapu-Lapu City Information Office and Lapu-Lapu City Rescue