RESCUED AT SEA. Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP-Malamawi (FPB-2403) rescue six people aboard a motorboat "dead in the water" Thursday (Feb. 17, 2022) near Little Coco Island in Akbar, Basilan. The BRP-Malamawi was traversing off Sibago Island, Basilan when its crew sighted the motorboat in distress. (Photo courtesy of BRP-Malamawi)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday rescued six people aboard an inoperative motorboat in the waters off Basilan province.
Commodore Luisito Sibayan, Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) commander, said the victims were rescued in the vicinity waters off Little Coco Island, Akbar, Basilan.
Sibayan did not release the identities of those rescued, except that they comprised three adults and three minors who were rescued by the crew of BRP-Malamawi (FPB-2403).
He said BRP-Malamawi was traversing the vicinity waters off Sibago Island, Basilan when its crew saw a motorboat that was stalled for approximately two hours with six people aboard.
“Immediately, they (BRP-Malamawi crew) rescued the passengers and provided them with necessary assistance,” Sibayan said in a statement.
He said the motorboat operator disclosed that they departed Basilan and were on their way to Sacol Island, Zamboanga City, when they encountered engine trouble, causing the motorboat to be “dead in the water.”
He said the BRP Malamawi towed the distressed motorboat to the port of Zamboanga City for repairs.
The rescued passengers were turned over to the CGDSWM for a medical checkup. (PNA)
