NAVY and Coast Guard personnel rescued on Wednesday four passengers and 14 crewmen of a distressed boat in the waters of Isabela City, Basilan.
The rescued individuals were aboard the ML Queen Shaima 3, whose owner, Reymar Wee, asked for assistance from the Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard in Western Mindanao.
Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command spokesman Lt. Col. Alaric delos Santos said the motor launch was en route to Sulu from Basilan, when its captain called Wee.
Wee informed the Naval Task Group Sulu that the boat incurred a break hole in its hull and water was leaking into its engine while it was sailing in the waters of Lampinigan Island, Isabela City.
“Our naval forces immediately conducted lateral coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police Maritime Command in Basilan province for the prompt rescue operation,” said Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr.
The rescued passengers were identified as Angelica Sali, 19; Angel Enriquez, 21; Jasmin Loyola,19; and Erlin Moran,19.