Navy facilitates the rescue of passengers, crews of a distressed boat off Basilan

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Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City (January 14, 2021) - The Naval Forces Western Mindanao facilitated the prompt rescue of the passengers of a distressed boat in the waters off Basilan on January 13, 2021.

Mr. Reymar Wee, a resident of Tubig Putih, Luuk, Sulu informed the Naval Task Group Sulu thru a phone call regarding the incident involving his motor launch in the waters off Lampinigan Island, Isabela City, Basilan at around 4:33 a.m.

According to Mr. Wee, the boat captain named Sonny informed him that while en route from Zamboanga to Luuk, Sulu, ML “Queen Shaima 3” incurred a break hole in the hull which caused the water leakage into the engine room.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr.  said, “Our naval forces immediately conducted lateral coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and PNP maritime aboard Basilan province for the prompt rescue operation.”

“We are elated that our counterpart from the PCG immediately responded to the area and rescued the four passengers and 14 crew members of the said motor launch,” RAdm Adaci, Jr. added.

The passengers were identified as Angelica Sali, female, 19 years old, and a resident of Barangay Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City; Angel Enriquez, female, 21, from Tumaga, same city; and Jasmin Loyola, female, 19 and Erlin Moran, female, 19, both from Sta. Maria, same city.

During the initial investigation, Sonny revealed that they encountered a surge while passing through the area which caused the damage to the boat.

“Thank you to all our rescuers for saving our lives,” he said in the local language.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command said, “This successful operation is a result of the good collaboration and coordination among the different security agencies.”

“We are grateful that no one was hurt in the incident,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

The rescued personalities were brought to Isabela City port and are currently under the custody of the PCG. (By JONG CADION with PR & Photos from WestMinCom-PIO)