Navy rescues 26 passengers after boat sinks off Tawi-Tawi

(Photo courtesy of Naval Forces Western Mindanao)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Navy rescued 26 passengers after a wooden-hulled vessel sank off Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi, on Sunday, an official said Monday.

Rear Adm. Francisco Tagamolila Jr., commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), said the 32 passengers of the M/L Bangsata were rescued around 10:05 p.m. Sunday, approximately 17 nautical miles southeast of Turtle Islands.

Six other passengers were rescued by a Malaysian vessel.

“Coordination is ongoing to facilitate their safe return,” Tagamolila said in a statement.

According to survivors, the M/L Bangsata departed Turtle Islands at 1:45 a.m. Sunday bound for South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi.

The boat encountered rough seas and sank around 6 a.m.

Passengers clung to debris until their rescue.

A Singaporean-flagged tanker, EONIA, first spotted the distressed vessel and alerted authorities, enabling the Philippine Navy’s Naval Monitoring Station (NMS) Taganak and BRP-Jose Loor Sr. (PC-390) to launch an immediate rescue mission.

“NMS Taganak maintained continuous communication with EONIA, ensuring swift coordination and accurate location of the incident,” Tagamolila said.

The survivors received medical assistance, food, and warm clothing aboard PC-390 before being transported to Taganak Pier.

They were turned over to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for further care.