NINE boat passengers, including six minors, were rescued on Sunday by Marines after their after vessel capsized off Sulu after being battered by big waves.
The military’s Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu identified the nine only by their first names Alpi, 28; Katrina, 21; Karina, 18; Sarimah, 17; Junaipa, 15; Analiza, 14; Malia, 14; Sindah, 13; and Monisa 12.
The nine were rescued at 6:21 p.m by personnel of the 4th Marine Brigade who were alerted by fishermen about the mishap that occurred in Luuk town, said JTF Sulu commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio.
Investigation showed the nine left Barangay Tandu-Bato in Luuk earlier on Sunday for Barangay Kan-Mindus, also in Luuk.
The boat, which was overloaded, encountered big waves and strong currents along the way and subsequently capsized, said Col. Vincent Mark Anthony Blanco, 4th Marine Brigade commander.
Blanco said the Marines brought the nine civilians to the Luuk District Hospital for first aid treatment and medical management.
“The rescued passengers are in good condition and we turned them over to the Municipal Disaster Rescue Management Office of Luuk, Sulu,” said Blanco.
Patrimonio commended the soldiers for their quick response that he said saved the lives of the passengers.
