Malaysia rescues 21 Filipino boat passengers off Sabah

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Malaysia has rescued 21 Filipinos from a motor launch off Sabah after the Philippine Navy sought assistance to help secure the passengers of the distressed boat.

 Photos released by the Western Mindanao Command show the rescued passengers of the motor launch Rihanna. (Mindanao Examiner) 

The boat’s captain, Abdulmar Maik, radioed the Philippine Navy station in southern Filipino province of Tawi-Tawi to say that they suffered engine trouble while sailing to Taganak Island from Sabah on Friday, February 24.

 

This was confirmed Tuesday, February 28, by the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City, saying all 15 passengers and six crewmen, including the boat’s captain, were recovered by the Philippine Navy and brought to Tawi-Tawi’s capital town of Bongao on Sunday, February 26.

 

It said the Philippine Navy dispatched BRP Florencio Iñigo (PC 393) to rescue the boat’s passengers and had coordinated with its Malaysian counterparts to monitor the distressed vessel.

 

“The Royal Malaysian Navy assisted the passengers of M/L Rihanna, and towed the distressed vessel to the nearest anchorage area in Tanjung Labian, Malaysia, to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew while waiting for the Philippine Navy vessel,” the Western Mindanao Command said.

 

“The PC393 then towed M/L Rihanna to Lamion Wharf in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Upon disembarkation on Sunday, February 26) all passengers were immediately given medical attention to ensure that they were in the best health condition,” it added.

 

The rescued Filipinos were handed over to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

 

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the navy and marine troops of Naval Forces Western Mindanao and Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi for the quick response that saved the crew and passengers of M/L Rihanna from harm.

 

“This exemplifies our commitment to serve and protect our fellow Filipinos, especially in times of adversity. Rest assured that we will remain steadfast in providing humanitarian assistance whenever necessary,” Galido said. (Mindanao Examiner)