ENHANCING FILIPINO PRESENCE With the newly completed beach ramp, large vessels no longer have to rely on smaller boats to deliver cargo to Pag-asa Island, the country’s largest outpost in the West Philippine Sea, which is up for more improvements for its military contingent and civilian population of about 200. —PHOTO COURTESY OF PALAWAN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — Crewmen of a Philippine Navy ship stationed in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea and a Vietnamese vessel rescued a civilian vessel in distress on Saturday, August 3.
A report from the Naval Forces West (Navforwest) said MV Queen Seagull, a vessel owned by the local government of Kalayaan, Palawan, radioed for assistance after it “encountered ship derangement” at 75 nautical miles southeast of Pg-asa Island at around 6 a.m.
The vessel ferrying teachers and residents of Pag-asa Island, left Puerto Princesa City at 12 p.m. on Thursday, August 1.
“Immediately, NFW directed PG902 (BRP Lolinato To Ong) at Pagasa Island to proceed to the distressed vessel and render rescue and assistance,” Navforwest said in the report.
“Likewise, a PCG Vessel (BRP BAGACAY) departed from Bililuyan Port, Bataraza to also render assistance to the vessel,” the report added.
BRP Lolinato To Ong towed the distressed vessel while its personnel extended medical assistance to one of the passengers who had fever and suffered dizziness.
Before the Navforwest rescue, however, an unidentified Vietnamese vessel first came to respond to the distress call and rendered assistance.