A Philippine Navy ship and a Malaysian vessel rescued 32 people onboard a passenger boat that sank near Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi last Sunday.
In a statement on Monday night, Lt. Chester Ross Cabaltera, public affairs officer of the Naval Force’s Western Mindanao Command, said the ill-fated M/L Bangsata left Taganak town in Tawi-Tawi at 1:45 p.m.
It was enroute to South Ubian town in Tawi-Tawi, said Cabaltera.
“The vessel encountered rough seas and sank (near Taganak Island) at around 6 a.m., leaving (the) passengers stranded until their rescue,” Cabaltera added.
He said the Singapore-flagged tanker Eonia spotted the distressed vessel and reported the incident to Filipino authorities.
This prompted the Navy to deploy patrol craft PC390 and conduct a rescue mission.
The Navy ship reached the site, specifically at 17 nautical miles southeast of Taganak Island, at 9:05 p.m. and found 26 passengers “clinging to debris and wreckage.”
“All 26 survivors were safely brought onboard where they received medical assistance, food, and warm clothing,” said Cabaltera.
A Malaysian vessel rescued the six other occupants of M/L Bangsata, he added.
As of Monday night, Cabaltera said “coordination is ongoing to facilitate their safe return.”
“The Philippine Navy remains steadfast in ensuring maritime safety and urges coastal communities and seafarers to exercise caution during adverse sea conditions,” said Cabaltera.
