ZAMBOANGA CITY -- More than 20 passengers from a distressed vessel off Basilan seas were rescued on Monday, Feb. 6.
The vessel, M/L Sulna, experienced mechanical trouble while traversing the waters of Favorite Bank in Basilan while on its way to Taganak Island in Tawi Tawi Province from Zamboanga City.
Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander, said the Philippine Navy sent its vessel, Boat Attack 487, to the area to rescue the passengers.
The navy vessel transported three women and 14 male passengers of the distressed boat to Zamboanga City.
The M/L Sulna with its remaining passengers and 11 crew members on board was towed by another commercial vessel, the M/L Salamat, to Zamboanga City.
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Western Mindanao Command chief, commended the Naval Forces Mindanao personnel for their prompt response and safe rescue of the passengers and boat crew.