Navy Vessel rescued 11 crew and 42 passengers of drifted Motor Launch boat in Tawi - Tawi

 ZAMBOANGA CITY (April 10, 2019) - Philippine Navy vessel of Naval Task Group Tawi-Tawi, under Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi of Western Mindanao Command successfully rescued 11 crew and 42 passengers of drifted Motor Launch (M/L) boat at the sea waters of Tawi-Tawi on April 9, 2019.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander Rear Erick A Kagaoan disclosed that the Philippine Navy Vessel involved during the rescue of the crew and passengers of Motor Launch boat was BA482, a Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC).

Kagaoan identified the motor launch boat as M/L YASDA II.

Prior the conduct of rescue operations, the Commander Naval Task Group Tawi-Tawi directed the said PN vessel to conduct maritime patrol operations and render assistance / rescue operations to M/L YASDA II. The said M/L incurred damage on its engine transmission and is drifting towards the island at vicinity 28.5 nautical miles, South East of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, while on its way to Taganak Island, Tawi-Tawi.  

BA482 immediately departed and proceeded to the location of M/L YASDA II. Upon arrival at the location, BA482 immediately maneuvered and positioned alongside the ill-fated M/L YASDA II. The assistance resulted to the successful mooring of said M/L to Lamion Wharf, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi to facilitate further repairs and successfully disembarked the stranded passengers.

The successful rescue of the M/L YASDA II is a result of selfless commitment and professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine Navy in protecting the country and our people. Through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, under Western Mindanao Command, the Philippine Navy will remain vigilant in its area of operations for a secured and safe Western Mindanao maritime environment (By JONG CADION with NFWM PAU PR and Photos)