Navy continues search and rescue operations in Indonesian Waters for missing MBCA Amejara passengers
Following approval from the Government of Indonesia, the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) continues its search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) operations within Indonesian waters to locate the nine (9) remaining missing passengers of the recreational motor banca AMEJARA.
NFEM on Jan. 30 deployed a Beechcraft King Air C90 (NV392) to conduct extensive visual search operations beyond the Philippines–Indonesia common maritime border. These efforts aim to expand search coverage in areas where the missing passengers may have drifted.
In parallel, BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37) remains actively engaged in surface patrols and visual searches within territorial waters of Sarangani, extending 118 nautical miles southwest off Palimban Point, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, and the Philippines-Indonesia International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Despite challenging weather and sea conditions, the vessel continues to support the search while maintaining maritime security within its area of responsibility.
The ongoing operation is being conducted in close coordination with the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC), Office of Civil Defense Region XI (OCD XI), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Air Force (PAF), and Indonesian counterparts. This interagency and international collaboration is intended to maximize search coverage and enhance operational effectiveness, particularly in areas beyond the international maritime boundary.