The Philippine Coast Guard rescued 23 people, including a captain and two crewmembers, after their recreational motorboat sank off San Pascual town in Masbate on Saturday, the PCG reported yesterday. In a statement, the PCG said its District Southern Tagalog station received a distress call from RBCA Harlyn at 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 3. The boat had 20 passengers from the port of San Andres in Quezon and was heading to Sombrero Island – a popular island-hopping destination in Masbate and known for its white sand, clear waters and camping sites.

Macairan, E. (2026, January 5). Coast Guard rescues 23 in Masbate. The Philippine Star, p. 8.