The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responded to an incident involving a grounded motor yacht inside the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan on Saturday morning, with all 28 passengers and crew confirmed safe.
The PCG said it received the report at around 5 am involving the 173-gross ton motor yacht MY Philippine Siren 2, which ran aground after encountering a sudden squall while moored to an anchored buoy about 7.2 nautical miles northeast of Tubbataha Reef.
The vessel departed Puerto Princesa City on June 10 for a diving expedition, carrying 14 foreign divers and 14 Filipino crew members.
Authorities said the divers were composed of nine Americans, three Germans, and two Filipinos.
According to PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, responders from the Tubbataha Ranger Station were immediately deployed to assess the situation and assist those on board.
“All 28 persons on board were reported safe,” Cayabyab said, adding that 14 divers and four crew members were transferred to another vessel, MY Resolute, which is en route to Puerto Princesa City.
The remaining 10 crew members stayed aboard the grounded vessel as authorities continued monitoring operations.
The PCG also deployed BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) to support response efforts and help ensure protection of the marine environment.
As of late morning, the yacht remained aground, with no oil spill or signs of marine pollution detected.
The Coast Guard said it is coordinating with the Tubbataha Management Office and other agencies as part of its ongoing environmental protection and response operations.