By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Loor Sr. (PC390) rescued 121 people aboard a wooden-hulled vessel stranded in the waters off Tawi-Tawi province, the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) reported Wednesday.
Rear Adm. Francisco Tagamolila Jr., NFWM commander, said the vessel, M/L J Sayang 1, was found at 3 p.m. Tuesday, 5.4 nautical miles west of Siklangkalong Island in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi.
“The vessel, carrying 106 passengers and 15 crew members, had been stranded for nearly six days due to engine failure and adverse weather conditions,” Tagamolila said in a statement.
The vessel was reported missing on Jan. 8 while en route from Zamboanga City to Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi. It first experienced engine trouble near Pangutaran, Sulu. While initially repaired, it later suffered further mechanical failure, leaving it adrift without fuel or communication capabilities.
Local fishermen spotted the vessel near Pearl Bank, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi, prompting a coordinated rescue by the Philippine Navy and other maritime agencies.
Upon reaching the vessel, the BRP Jose Loor Sr. crew provided fresh water, food, medical aid, and internet access to allow passengers to contact their families. Despite adverse weather and risks of collision, the Navy safely towed the vessel to Taja Island, Pearl Bank, Tawi-Tawi.
“All passengers and crew were in good physical condition but were psychologically distressed after days of limited food and water,” Tagamolila said.
A relief vessel, M/L Arneza, arrived around 5 p.m. Tuesday with additional fuel and provisions to tow M/L J Sayang 1 to its final destination in Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi.
Tagamolila commended the coordinated efforts of local authorities, the Navy, and the Coast Guard, emphasizing the importance of unified responses to maritime emergencies. (PNA)
