Search Resumes for Missing Passenger After Deadly Angaur Boat Capsizing

By: L.N. Reklai

KOROR, Palau (Jan. 27, 2026)— The search for a missing passenger from a deadly boat capsizing off Angaur resumed Sunday, Jan. 26, but ended with no new developments, according to the Ministry of Justice.

Officials said search and rescue operations were suspended at about 5 p.m. due to poor visibility and rough marine conditions. The search is expected to resume today, weather permitting.

The operation has been supported by PMAir, a U.S. Navy P-8 surveillance aircraft, and Marine Law Enforcement boats.

The incident occurred Friday, Jan. 23, as what began as a celebratory day in Angaur turned tragic. Community members had gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the reopening of a newly renovated elementary school designed to serve kindergarten through eighth grade, while also supporting students enrolled in online high school and university programs.

Later that day, a 38-foot boat carrying 12 passengers, almost all of whom were construction workers on the recently completed elementary school renovation project, departed Angaur for Koror. The vessel capsized near Angaur’s notoriously dangerous ocean channel, not far from port. The incident was captured on video by people onshore, who watched as large waves overturned the boat.

Authorities reported that eight passengers were able to swim to shore. Two passengers were found deceased at the scene. Another victim died after being transported to the hospital, while one passenger remains missing.

Following the capsizing, survivors were airlifted from Angaur to Koror, where ambulances were waiting at the airport to transport them to the hospital.  Two of the deceased were retrieved and transported to Koror by Marine law vessels.

Officials said nine of the 12 passengers were Philippine nationals. Of those, three have been confirmed dead and one remains unaccounted for.