20 rescued from troubled boat off Basilan
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Some 20 passengers were rescued from ferry boat that encountered mechanical trouble off Basilan on Friday.
According to authorities, the wooden-hulled M/L Julifer left Zamboanga City early Friday for Laminusa Island in Siasi town, Sulu province when its engine conked out around 3 a.m. as its was in the waters of Lampinigan Island of Isabela City.
The situation forced its passengers and crew to call for immediate assistance.
READ: Ferry sinking; 4 dead, 7 missing
Responding units from the Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Isabela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) joined the Coast Guard in the rescue effort.
Authorities said the passengers and crew were all safely evacuated and temporarily sheltered in Lampinigan before being brought to Isabela port.
The Isabela City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and City Health Office (CHO) conducted profiling and extended medical services to the rescued individuals.
The vessel sailed just hours before the coast guard ordered a temporary suspension of sea trips due to the coming of Tropical Depression ‘Basyang.’ INQ
