Philippine Navy rescues 30 passengers from stranded vessel off Tawi-Tawi

The Philippine Navy on Saturday reported the successful rescue of 30 passengers from a wooden-hulled vessel that was left stranded off the waters of Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi, on Friday night, 17 January.

Western Mindanao Naval Command commander Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr. said the passengers were aboard M/L Nurdia, which suffered engine failure after its rudder broke at around 9:30 p.m.

Among those rescued were a pregnant woman, two senior citizens, and five children, Reyes said.

He added that while conducting a routine maritime patrol about 46 nautical miles east of Turtle Islands, the crew of BRP Juan Magluyan spotted a flashing light roughly five nautical miles off the vessel’s port bow.

“Despite challenging sea conditions, the crew of PC392 promptly conducted a rescue and assistance operation,” Reyes said.

All passengers were safely brought ashore and disembarked at the Turtle Islands port at around 4:45 a.m. Saturday.

The Turtle Islands Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, in coordination with the local Coast Guard station, provided immediate humanitarian assistance to the passengers, including food, water, and medical support.