PH Navy rescues 26 after boat sinks near Tawi-Tawi

The Philippine Navy rescued the 26 passengers of a sinking motor launch near Taganak Island, Tawi-Tawi last March 16. 

In a statement on Monday, the Navy said that a Singapore-flagged tanker first spotted the distressed vessel M/L/ Bangsata and immediately reported the situation to Filipino authorities. 

“At 9:05 p.m., PC390 reached the site, approximately 17 nautical miles southeast of Taganak Island, where survivors were found clinging to debris and wreckage. By 10:05 p.m., all 26 survivors were safely brought onboard, where they received medical assistance, food, and warm clothing,” the Navy said. 

“By 11:40 p.m., BRP Jose Loor Sr. (PC-390) arrived at Taganak Pier, where the survivors were turned over to the Taganak Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) for further medical attention and care,” it added. 

Meanwhile, six other passengers were rescued by a Malaysian vessel and coordination is ongoing for their return. 

According to the survivors, the Navy said that M/L Bangsata departed from Taganak Island at 1:45 a.m. for South Ubian, also in Tawi-Tawi. There were a total of 32 passengers.

The vessel encountered rough seas, causing it to sink around 6 a.m., the Navy said. –Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News