Navy rescues 19 from distressed vessel in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Navy (PN) rescued 19 persons from a distressed vessel in the sea off Banguingui, Sulu Sunday night.

A multi-purpose attack craft, the MPAC BA-487, was dispatched to conduct rescue operations after Navy personnel learned about a distressed vessel in the vicinity.

A report from the PN said the ML Sea Glory was on its way to south Ubian, Tawi-Tawi when it suffered engine trouble in sea between Basilan and Sulu.

Boat Capt. Mohammad Ali Assiong, 58, said seawater penetrated the hull of the vessel which caused the engine to conk out.

The vessel made a distress call which was picked up by the Maritime industry Authority (MARINA).

Nineteen passengers, including the boat captain, were rescued – Arnin G. Jairul, 26; Habibjain U. Manayo, 26; Fatima Santos Ong, 61; Abdulmalik Maulurana, 30; Alsana Maulurana, 41; Eddie John Shun, 25; Moh Elis Utroeglis, 55; Elibel Utoeglis, 30; Ahmel Deedat Isnani, 33; Asri Imbang, 22; Subtal Alih, 24; Akrim Abdulhakim, 46; Suhaili Darkin, 26; Ronnelio Moh. Hassan, 33; Jalil Dandahani, 22; Hja, Diantoy Assiong; 56; Adelie O. Mohammadbakie, 38; Mohammad Said Bennaser, 26; and Assiong.

The rescued were brought to the 4th Marine Brigade headquarters in Luuk, Sulu for medical treatment and transferred to the Luuk staff house.