Coast Guard rescues 6 from distressed vessel off Basilan


ZAMBOANGA CITY- Six passengers of a distressed vessel were rescued in the waters off Little Coco Island, Basilan Province on Thursday morning, Feb. 17.

A Coast Guard personnel rescues one of six passengers from a distressed vessel in the waters off Basilan Province on Thursday, Feb. 17. (PCG photo)

A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) report said BRP Malamawi was traversing the waters off Sibago Island in Basilan Province when they spotted a motor banca with its engine dead.

The Coast Guard vessel immediately approached the distressed boat and rescued six passengers, three of whom were minors.

Three minors are among six passengers of a distressed boat rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard in the waters off Basilan Province on Thursday, Feb. 17. (PCG photo)

The vessel was towed to the Zamboanga City seaport while the passengers were turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard Southwestern Mindanao for assistance.

The boat captain said the vessel experienced engine trouble after departing from Basilan for Sacol Island in Zamboanga City.

The boat has been floating in the water for two hours before it was spotted by the PCG.