6 cows, carabaos drown after cargo boat capsizes in Cagayan; 8 crew rescued

CALAYAN, Cagayan — Six cows and carabaos drowned while eight crew members were rescued after a cargo vessel capsized off Dalupiri Island, Calayan, Cagayan, on Saturday morning, October 31, 2026.

According to the initial report of the Calayan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the cargo vessel, MBca Rose Marie I, was en route to Claveria from Barangay Dilam, Calayan, when the incident occurred.

Rough sea conditions and the uncontrolled movements of the livestock were among the possible factors that caused the cargo motor banca to capsize and become partially submerged at around 8:15 a.m.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that five crew members were initially rescued and brought to Barangay Magsidel before being transported to the Rural Health Unit for medical assessment. All five were found to be in good condition.

The remaining three crew members were subsequently rescued. They were also assessed, with two reportedly suspected of having hypertension, while one sustained a laceration on the right knee.

Of the 11 cows and carabaos aboard the vessel, only five survived, while six died.

The incident reached Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, who on November 1 ordered the immediate suspension of the safety certificate of MBca Rose Marie I pending the necessary investigation, verification, and assessment of the vessel's safety condition.

The directive also ordered the suspension of the Seafarers' Identification Books of the vessel's captain, motorman, and six crew members.