The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) announced on Wednesday the termination of search and retrieval operations for the nine missing passengers and crew members of M/Bca Amejara, 15 days after shifting to retrieval efforts and one month after the vessel sank in rough sea conditions in the Davao Gulf. Commodore Philipps Soria, commander of CGDSEM, stated that all available surface, aerial, and coastal assets were deployed across designated search areas, but only six bodies were recovered, leaving nine still missing. The lone survivor was a crew member. Among the recovered remains identified were Porferio Lanorias Jr., Ranil Florino, John Julius Alcazar, and Hector Emberga. Soria emphasized that the Coast Guard will continue to act on verified information despite ending active operations. M/Bca Amejara had departed without proper permits, misdeclared its destination, and was overloaded with additional cargoes, including fuel, fishing equipment, and alcohol, which may have compromised its stability. The vessel sank while attempting to return to port amid severe sea conditions. Soria urged maritime operators to prioritize safety by adhering to regulations and monitoring weather advisories.
