By Ramon Yu
The Philippine Navy saved 78 passengers and seven crew members from a distressed vessel in the waters off Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday.
Through the patrol craft BRP Jose Loor SR (PC390), the Naval Forces Western Mindanao were able to conduct the successful rescue mission initiated following a distress call received by PC390.
The distressed boat had reported an engine failure on a motor launch in the Sibutu Passage.
Responding promptly, the Naval Task Force 61 deployed PC390 from Lamion Wharf in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, to undertake a maritime search and rescue operation.
Coordination with the Navy’s Littoral Monitoring Station Bongao was established to locate the distressed vessel along the Sibutu Passage.
By noon, PC390 established radar and visual contact with the Motor Launch DHIEMAL, located approximately 9 nautical miles southwest of Bakalao Point, Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi.
At 1:40 p.m., PC390 began assisting by towing the Motor Launch DHIEMAL toward Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
The vessel, captained by Ramal Hji Mallih, was carrying 78 passengers and seven crew members, originating from Tandu Banak, Sibutu, and heading for Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, on the day of the incident.
By 5:40 p.m., PC390, along with the towed vessel, safely arrived at Lamion Wharf.
The passengers and crew were provided with hot meals and subsequently handed over to the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) staff for counseling, stress debriefing, and arrangements to be reunited with their respective families.
RADM Donn Anthony Miraflor, Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, reiterated the importance for seafarers to ensure the seaworthiness of their vessels before embarking on voyages to guarantee the safety of their passengers.
