ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Navy rescued eight passengers of a distressed motor vessel in Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday, Nov. 22.
A report from the Armed Forces-Naval Forces Western Mindanao Public Assistance Office said the passenger vessel, ML Rihana, was traveling from Turtle Islands to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi when its engine experienced mechanical trouble upon encountering rough seas near Sibutu Island.
After learning of the incident, the Navy deployed the PC393, a patrol craft of Naval Task Group Tawi-Tawi, and rescued the passengers.
The motor launch was towed to the Lamion Wharf in Bongao where they were checked by medical staff. None of them were injured.
Brig. Gen. Romeo T. Racadio, Naval Task Group Tawi-Tawi commander, said the rescue mission is part of the Philippine Navy’s mandate to render humanitarian assistance and disaster response in times of emergency.