63 passengers, crew of distressed vessel off Basilan rescued
Members of Army’s Special Forces rescue passengers and crew of JadeStar. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Philippine Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion
MANILA, Philippines—Some 63 passengers and crew of a distressed vessel off Basilan were rescued by the Army’s Special Forces last Sunday.
The passenger vessel named JadeStar was bound for Zamboanga when it ran aground a shallow part in the vicinity of Tabiawan, or a few hundred meters from shore, Lieutenant Colonel Eliglen Villaflor, commander of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion said in a belated report on Tuesday.
“When the engine stopped, it caused panic among the passengers. The rains also added more fears,” he said.
Members of Army’s Special Forces rescue passengers and crew of JadeStar. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Philippine Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion
The Special Forces deployed four of their riverine scout boats, known as “condor,” and brought the passengers and their cargoes to shore.
These water assets had been helpful especially during Zamboanga siege last November.
“When commercial vessels were not allowed at that time, the Condors were used for emergency cases such as medical evacuation,” Villaflor noted.
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