Superferry 9 passenger boat was midway on a voyage from General Santos City to Iloilo City when it suddenly listed on its starboard side at around 530AM September 6, 2009. Things happened so quickly that panicked the crowd. But the presence of mind of the some crew and the selfless efforts of passengers reduced the casualty of the looming tragedy. By 8AM, Tzu Chi was alerted about the sinking of the boat and the rescue efforts that ensued. By 1130AM it was announced that those reduced on board several vessels will be transported to Zamboanga which was nearest to the tragedy area. The City Official immediately organized the Disaster Council and readied the plan on who to received the passengers of the ill-fated boat. The Several organizations like the Red Cross, STOP DEATH EMS of the Zamboanga City Medical Center and government agencies were ready for medical support.

By 2:30 PM, The first rescue boat, a cargo ship M/V Mariad arrived carrying 492 passengers plus 3 unidentified casualty. Tzu Chi volunteers on site immediately surveyed the need and activated the Tzu Chi volunteers immediately. Volunteers noticed that the rescued passengers had nothing on them except their clothes on their back which was wet because they have to jump into the open sea from the sinking vessel. All were walking on their feet and very hungry and thirsty. Tzu Chi volunteers immediately went to work contacting merchants for immediate purchase of supplies beating everyone at the site. Master Cheng Yen reminder to Tzu Chi volunteers out on relief mission were on everyone’s mind and heart. As soon as they arrive, slippers were immediately given, water to drink, warm food to eat and a change of t-shirts and underwear. Later on, toothpaste and toothbrush and bath soap were distributed including a yellow plastic bag where they can put all their items given to them. While the material things were important, Tzu Chi volunteers immediately provided emotional care by letting all their feelings out which reduced both the passengers and volunteers to tears. Stories about lost relatives, missing babies and relatives as they recounted their ordeals broke the hearts of the volunteers. They immediately helped them find assistance. Some of the babies and minor rescued by another passengers were turned over to the government authorities. It was really a miracle on how babies as young as 4 months separated from their mothers managed to survived through the great love of other passengers. By 4PM another rescue boat M/V Integrity arrived with 265 passengers arrived. 2 more fishing boats were responded to the distress call brought in 23 and 26 more passengers while a navy boat carrying 39 arrived at around 10PM.

It was heartwrenching to see mothers and fathers going crazy and crying their hearts out looking for their lost children and relatives, some refused to eat inspite of hunger. Tzu Chi volunteers stayed with them throughout and even able to help a young mother identify her 9 month old baby rescued by another passenger. It is only then her grief turned to smile and she suddenly felt hungry. A family whose mother and daughter were separated from Father and son had a very happy reunion towards the end of evening. Not all stories had happy ending though as a mother identified a dead 4 month old baby as hers. While most children were oblivious to the suffering, those already of age were in shock and were staring into blank space with their parents. But by the end of the night with the great love and attention shown by Tzu Chi and a lot of other selfless and kindhearted organizations and volunteers, they were already in joking mood and in fact their sad face replaced with jovial smiles! A total of 21 Tzu Chi volunteers participated in the relief while over 300 other local, military and government volunteers joined and helped each other in making sure the rescued passengers where made to feel at home and given a reason to live and moved on.

By 230AM The Tzu Chi volunteers finally went home very physically and emotionally very tired from staying up on their feet the whole time and from listening to heartbreaking and heartwarming stories! But all went home with big smiles on their faces but being able to make a difference in their lives by being there for someone when they needed a shoulder to cry on!