Navy rescues 120 passengers of boat with engine trouble off Basilan

The Philippine Navy rescued more than a hundred passengers from Banguingui town in Sulu when the motorized vessel encountered engine trouble off Lampinigan Island in Isabela City, Basilan on Tuesday afternoon. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO FROM NAVAL FORCES WESTERN MINDANAO

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—Over a hundred passengers of a motorized banca were rescued on Tuesday afternoon in Lampinigan Island of Isabela City, Basilan as the vessel encountered engine trouble.

Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem), said the 120 passengers came from Dungon, one of the coastal villages of Banguingui town in Sulu.

“They were en route to Zamboanga City last January 2, unfortunately, the motorized banca identified as Den Russel encountered engine trouble west off Lampinigan Island,” Miraflor said.

The Navforwem’s Littoral Monitoring Station based in Pilas, Hadji Muhtamad town, Basilan, was able to monitor the said incident and reported to the Navforwem.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO FROM NAVAL FORCES WESTERN MINDANAO

The Navforwem rendered rescue and assistance to the distressed boat, deploying the naval transport vessel BRP Ivatan.

Due to unfavorable weather and for the safety of the passengers, the distressed vessel was towed immediately en route to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City.

READ: Navy rescues crew, passengers from stalled boat off Basilan

While en route to this city, boat crew members managed to repair the main engine and upon arrival at Ensign Majini Pier of Espaldon station, the boat immediately proceeded to Petron Pier in Lower Calarian, where all the passengers safely disembarked.

Miraflor said they will keep reminding seafarers to ensure integrity and safety of their vessels before their voyage.