ZAMBOANGA CITY – Ten Malaysians and Filipinos from distressed ships were rescued by the Philippine Navy and two foreign vessels in the sea of Tawi-Tawi province during inclement weather on Christmas Eve.
The eight Malaysians were crew of the MV Belait Surita, a vessel which experienced a pipe explosion on their trip to Talabtab, Malaysia from Sandakan. A crew member remains missing.
The boat of the two Filipinos encountered engine trouble on their trip from Tahaw Island to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
A Naval Forces Western Mindanao report said the Philippine Navy received the victims from two foreign vessels that rescued them in the sea of Tawi-Tawi.
The Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Falcon Triumph rescued four persons on board a life raft while the Panama-flagged tanker vessel High Adventure was transiting in Bongao when it rescued six persons they sighted overboard from their vessel’s port beam.
Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, acting commander of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the Navy personnel for their dedication and commitment in the rescue of the victims.