55 rescued from sinking ship off Sibutu Island

Personnel of the Coast Guard station in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi rescued 55 passengers and crew members of the vessel ML Lucky Man before it sank on July 22 off Sibutu Island in southwestern Mindanao, according to the PCG office in Manila.

The PCG said its Bongao station immediately assisted the distressed passenger and cargo ship, which encountered engine trouble about five nautical miles from Sibutu.

The PCG coordinated with the Philippine Navy, which sent its vessel PG 381 to the search-and-rescue area.

The Navy vessel was able to safely transfer its 55 passengers and crew before the ship sank.

“PG 381 arrived at the Sibutu Pier around 9:05 p.m. with all passengers and crew of the ML Lucky Man in safe condition,” it added.  Jerry E. Esplanada