Four passengers, 12 crew of motor launched rescued off Basilan

January 14, 2021

Government authorities rescued more than a dozen passengers and crew of a distressed motor launch off the waters of Basilan province on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the Naval Forces Western Mindanao facilitated the rescue of the four passengers and 12 crew members of the Queen Shaima 3.

Delos Santos said a certain "Reymar Wee, a resident of Tubig Putih, Luuk, Sulu informed the Naval Task Group Sulu thru a phone call regarding the incident involving his motor launch in the waters off Lampinigan Island, Isabela City, Basilan at around 4:33 am."

"According to Mr. Wee, the boat captain named Sonny informed him that while en route from Zamboanga to Luuk, Sulu, 'Queen Shaima 3'  incurred a break hole in the hull which caused the water leakage into the engine room," he said.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr. said, the "naval forces immediately conducted lateral coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and PNP Maritime (Group) aboard Basilan province for the prompt rescue operation.”

“We are elated that our counterpart from the PCG immediately responded to the area and rescued the four passengers and 14 crew members of the motor launch,” Adaci said.

The passengers were identified as Angelica Sali,19, a resident of Barangay Upper Calarian; Angel Enriquez, 21, from Tumaga; and Jasmin Loyola, 19, and Erlin Moran, 19, both from Sta. Maria, all in Zamboanga City.

Delos Santos said during the initial investigation, Sonny revealed that they encountered a surge while passing through the area which caused   damage to the boat.

The rescued persons were brought to Isabela City port and are  under the custody of the PCG for proper disposition. Robina Asido/DMS