ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Navy rescued 121 passengers of a distressed vessel reported missing for nearly a week during a search and rescue operation in Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
ONE-HUNDRED twenty-one passengers of a distressed vessel were rescued in Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday, Jan. 14.
The BRP Jose Loor Sr. located the distressed vessel, the ML J Sayang 1, some 5.4 nautical miles west of Siklangkalong Island, Tawi-Tawi with 106 passengers and 15 crew.
The ML J Sayang 1 – stranded for nearly six days due to engine failure – sailed from Zamboanga City to Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi on Jan. 8 and experienced mechanical trouble near Pangutaran Island in Sulu.
The engine was repaired but the boat drifted due to harsh weather conditions and persistent mechanical troubles until it was spotted by fishermen near Pearl Bank, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi.
Navy personnel provided fresh water, food, and medical aid to stranded passengers. They also provided internet service to allow the passengers to contact their families.
The vessel was safely towed to Taja Island, Pearl Bank, Tawi-Tawi where the passengers disembarked. They were all were declared in good physical condition but suffering from psychological distress.
Relief vessel ML Arneza arrived and towed the ML J Sayang 1 to its final destination in Turtle Islands.
The Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard underscored their cooperation in promoting maritime safety.