Thirty-two individuals were rescued from a vessel that sank in the sea of Taganak Islands in Tawi-Tawi province on Sunday, March 17.
TWENTY-SIX persons were rescued from a vessel that sank in the sea of Tawi-Tawi on Sunday. (Naval Forces Western Mindanao)
The Philippine Navy rescued 26 individuals.
Six other passengers of M/L Bangsata were saved by a passing Malaysian vessel. The Navy said they are coordinating for their safe return.
M/L Bangsata left Taganak Islands for South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi before dawn on Sunday but encountered rough seas on the way and sank at 6 a.m.
A Singaporean-flagged tanker, Eonia, spotted the distressed vessel and alerted authorities.
The Philippine Navy Naval Monitoring Station (NMS) Taganak and BRP-Jose Loor Sr. (PC-390) launched an immediate rescue mission and maintained contact with Eonia until they located the vessel.
The Navy found 26 individuals clinging to debris and wreckage. They were taken onboard and received medical assistance, food, and warm clothing.
They were transported to Taganak Pier and turned over to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for further assistance.
The Navy said they remain steadfast in ensuring maritime safety and urged coastal communities and seafarers to exercise caution during adverse sea conditions.