Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – Navy troops from the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) rescued a distressed seacraft off Basilan waters Monday evening, February 6.
According to Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor, Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, navy vessel Boat Attack 487 (BA487) rescued Motor Launch SULNA with an undetermined number of passengers and 11 crew members onboard and skippered by Cesa Abdul.
The M/L departed Zamboanga City and en route to Taganak Island, Tawi-Tawi, when it encountered engine trouble in the seawaters of Favorite Bank, Basilan Province.
The navy vessel immediately proceeded to the location and provided the necessary assistance to the distressed motor launch while the Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS) Pilas was closely monitoring the conduct of the rescue operation. BA487 ferried 17 passengers of M/L SULNA to Zamboanga City. The 17 include three females and 14 males.
Meanwhile, M/L SULNA, with its remaining passengers onboard, is being towed by another commercial vessel named M/L SALAMAT en route to Zamboanga City. LMS Pilas and LMS Zamboanga closely monitor the towing activity.
“I commend the sailors of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao for the prompt response and safe rescue of the passengers and crew members of M/L SULNA. Rest assured that your armed forces will remain steadfast in ensuring the safety of the people through our military and HADR operations,” Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, said. (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
