PH Navy rescues distressed vessel off Basilan

NFWM PHOTO Navy rescues another distressed vessel

At least 66 passengers and crew members of a distressed vessel were rescued by the Philippine Navy’s BRP Iwak (LC 289) off the waters of Basilan, the military said Monday.

“M/L Fatimah Devie was heading to Zamboanga City from Taganak Port when the rudder broke that resulted to a major steering casualty,” the Naval Forces Western Mindanao said in a statement.

The LC 289, which was at the Ensign Majini Pier in Calarian when the report on the distressed vessel was received at around 7 p.m. Friday, was tasked to proceed to the location. The passenger vessel was rescued at the vicinity of Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan past 10 p.m.

The vessel was towed from Malawi Island in Basilan to Baliwasan in Zamboanga City past 1 a.m. on Saturday.

M/L Fatimah Devie had seven crew members and 59 passengers onboard. /je