Navy rescues 26 passengers after boat sinks off Tawi-Tawi

Navy rescues 26 passengers after boat sinks off Tawi-Tawi

/ 07:20 AM March 18, 2025

<p><strong>RESCUED</strong>. Crew members of the Philippine Navy’s BRP-Jose Loor Sr. (PC-390) assist 26 passengers rescued after the M/L Bangsata sank off Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi, on Sunday (March 16, 2025). Six other passengers were rescued by a Malaysian vessel.<em> (Photo courtesy of Naval Forces Western Mindanao)</em></p>

(Photo courtesy of Naval Forces Western Mindanao)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Navy rescued 26 passengers after a wooden-hulled vessel sank off Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi on Sunday, an official said Monday.

Rear Adm. Francisco Tagamolila Jr., commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), said the 32 passengers of the M/L Bangsata were rescued around 10:05 p.m. Sunday, approximately 17 nautical miles southeast of Turtle Islands.

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Six other passengers were rescued by a Malaysian vessel.

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“Coordination is ongoing to facilitate their safe return,” Tagamolila said in a statement.

According to survivors, the M/L Bangsata departed Turtle Islands at 1:45 a.m. Sunday bound for South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi.

The boat encountered rough seas and sank around 6 a.m.

Passengers clung to debris until their rescue.

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A Singaporean-flagged tanker, EONIA, first spotted the distressed vessel and alerted authorities, enabling the Philippine Navy’s Naval Monitoring Station (NMS) Taganak and BRP-Jose Loor Sr. (PC-390) to launch an immediate rescue mission.

“NMS Taganak maintained continuous communication with EONIA, ensuring swift coordination and accurate location of the incident,” Tagamolila said.

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The survivors received medical assistance, food and warm clothing aboard PC-390 before being transported to Taganak Pier.

They were turned over to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for further care.

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