Six rescued after boat capsizes off Sulu — Navy
Six personnel of motorbanca Lorenz are rescued by personnel of M/V Navios Lumen after their boat capsized off Sulu. (Photo from the Naval Forces Western Mindanao)
MANILA, Philippines — Six people were rescued over the weekend after a motorbanca capsized off Pangutaran Island in Sulu province, the Philippine Navy said on Monday.
On Feb. 17, Saturday, motorbanca Lorens was traveling from Mapun town in Tawi-tawi en route to Zamboanga City when it encountered rough seas and strong currents, causing it to capsize, according to Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor, commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao.
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Panama-flagged bulk carrier M/V Navios Lumen, which was also traversing the area proceeding towards its next port of call in Australia, rescued the individuals.
“Upon sighting of the capsized motorbanca with six persons holding to its side, the M/V [Navios Lumen] immediately maneuvered to rescue the victims and render assistance,” Miraflor said in a statement.
Personnel of MV Navios Lumen then reported the incident to the Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS) of Pilas Island in Basilan, which reported it to the LMS of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Upon learning this, naval vessel BRP Jose Loor Sr (PC390) arrived and moored to the left side of the M/V Navios Lumen in the vicinity of Sibutu Passage, Tawi-Tawi, and immediately began the transfer of distressed passengers.
The PC390 then arrived at Lamion Wharf, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, to send the fishermen to their families.
“We are glad that the boatmen were safe and in good condition after the bulk carrier found them and handed them over to us,” Miraflor said.
“We are also glad that we can work promptly together with our friends from civilian vessels that transit our waters and with the aid of our LMS, to ensure every seafarer’s safety, especially during rough seas and bad weather,” he added.
