JTF Sulu rescues distressed seacraft

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (November 4, 2016) - Naval Task Group (NTG) Sulu under the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF) rescued distressed seacraft in sea waters near Minis Island, Sulu, Southern Philippines on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Maj. Filemon I. Tan Jr. disclosed that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Sulu reported that a certain M/L Nadzramar, which departed from Pangutaran Island, Sulu en route to Zamboanga City, incurred engine trouble and was dead on water in the vicinity of Bubuan Island, Sulu. The Commander of NTG Sulu immediately directed Patrol Boats (PB) 388 and 393 to conduct search and rescue of said M/L.

Tan also said that M/L Nadzramar with 12 crew members and 63 passengers was found drifting at about 2.1 nautical miles northeast of Minis Island, Sulu. The seacraft was also loaded with 1453 sacks of charcoal, 298 sacks of copra, and 45 sacks of dried seaweeds.

M/L Nadzramar experienced engine transmission damage and was dead on water for more than 30 hours. Medical conditions of the passengers and crew members were checked, and they were given food and water, Tan added.

Said watercraft was towed to Jolo, Pier, Jolo, Sulu by Landing Craft 298 and was turned over to PCG Station Sulu.