PH Navy rescues 19 from distressed vessel off Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14, 2021): PH Navy rescues 19 from distressed vessel off Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

RESCUED. Personnel of the Naval Task Group (NTG)-Sulu rescue 19 passengers from a wooden-hulled vessel in distress northeast of Bitinan Island, Banguingui, Sulu on Monday (June 14, 2021). The vessel, M/L Sea Glory was traveling to South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi from Zamboanga City when its engine conked out amid big waves. (Photo courtesy of NTG-Sulu)

The Naval Task Group (NTG)-Sulu has rescued 19 people from a distressed wooden-hulled vessel off the waters of Banguingui, Sulu, Navy officials announced Monday.

Rear Adm. Toribio Adaci, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander, said they were rescued around 12:15 a.m. Monday aboard the ill-fated vessel, M/L Sea Glory skippered by Mohammad Ali Assiong, 58.

Assiong disclosed that the engine conked out since the vessel’s hull was filled with seawater as M/L Sea Glory was battered by big waves while they were cruising northeast off Bitinan Island in Banguingui, Sulu.

“The entry of seawater also compromised the integrity of the hull of the vessel, thus, posing danger to the passengers,” Assiong was quoted by the NFWM as saying.

Adaci said the incident happened while M/L Sea Glory was traveling from this city en route to South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi.

Aside from Assiong, rescued by troops aboard a multi-purpose attack craft-BA-487 (MPAC BA-487) deployed by the NTG-Sulu are Arnin Jairul, 26; Habibjain Manayo, 26; Fatima Santos Ong, 61; Abdulmalik Maulurana, 30; Alsana Maulurana, 41; Eddie John Shun, 25; Moh. Elis Utoeglis, 55; Elibel Utoeglis, 30; Ahmed Deedat Isnani, 33; Asri Imbang, 22; Subtal Alih, 24; Akrim Abdulhakim, 46; Suhaili Darkin, 26; Ronnellio Moh. Hassan, 33; Jalil Dandahani, 22; Hadja Diantoy Assiong, 56; Adelie Mohammadbakie, 38; and Mohammad Said Bennaser, 26.

The rescued individuals were taken to the 4th Marine Brigade (MBde) headquarters in Luuk, Sulu, and were given medical attention and hot meals.

Assiong informed the NTG-Sulu that five other passengers were rescued by a fishing boat after they jumped overboard before the arrival of the Navy troops.

Adaci said they are now locating the whereabouts of the five passengers.

Col. Hernani Songano, NTG-Sulu, and 4MBde commander, said the rescued individuals are temporarily sheltered at the staff house of Luuk municipal government while coordination is being done for their safe return to South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi.

Songano has commended the officers and men of MPAC-BA-487 for the successful operation and encouraged the troops to sustain their readiness to respond to emergencies at sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143646