6 children, 12 others rescued from distressed boat in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY – About 18 persons, including four crew, aboard a motorboat in distress have been rescued at the Sulu Sea amid the inclement weather.

Col. Hernanie Songano, Joint Task Group-Sulu and 4th Marine Brigade (4MBde) commander, said 12 adults and six children were rescued late Saturday in between Bakungan Island, Patikul and Tambanan Island, Luuk.

Songano said a multipurpose assault craft was dispatched for the rescue operation upon receiving a report around 2:10 p.m. Saturday that a motorboat named MB Bongarita was in distress at sea.

“Upon the arrival at the location, MB Bongarita, was being towed by a civilian watercraft. However, the responders cannot withstand the strong wind, which made the passengers of MB Bongarita transfer to MPAC for their safety,” Songano said.

The motorboat was sailing from Barangay Kanaway, Parang, Sulu to Malamawi Island, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province, when its engine malfunctioned after it was battered by the strong wind and big waves brought by the southwest monsoon, Songano said.

All of the persons rescued were brought to Luuk District Hospital for medical checkup then to the 4MBde headquarters where they were assisted by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office of Parang town.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Joint Task Force-Sulu commander, lauded the efforts of units under the command of the task force.

“Last week we have also rescued passengers from a capsized boat using our Navy’s watercraft. For this, I commend the sailors and the marines for their sustain readiness and dedication to duty that repeatedly saved lives of our brothers in need,” Gonzales said. (PNA)


News Feed:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1148246
Latest News | Philippine News Agency

Comments