Navy rescues crew, passengers from stalled boat off Basilan
The ML Sulna had engine trouble off the coast of Basilan. (Photo from the Public Affairs Office of Naval Forces Western Mindanao)
MANILA, Philippines — Navy troops rescued on Monday night the passengers and crew of a stalled boat — Motor Launch (ML) Sulna — off the coast of Basilan, the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
ML Sulna departed Zamboanga City on Monday and was heading for Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi when it had engine trouble at Favorite Bank off Basilan.
On being informed of the incident, the Naval Forces Wesmincom dispatched Boat Attack 487 to rescue the 11 crew members and around 100 passengers.
“BA487 arrived at the scene around 9:00 in the evening and found more or less 100 passengers onboard, including the master and the boat crew, and rendered necessary assistance,” Wesmincom said in its statement.
Another boat — the ML Farah Mae, a commercial vessel — was sailing nearby off Pilas Island. It came alongside the distressed ML Sulna and offered to tow it to Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan where it could be repaired.
The Navy boat ferried 17 of the ML Sulna passengers who just decided to return to Zamboanga City.
—MAE ANNE BILOLO (TRAINEE)
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