PERSONNEL of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) rescued on Monday, September 5, 2022, an Australian drifting at sea near this city aboard his yacht for several hours after a 30-day voyage from Australia.

Lieutenant Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, NFWM information officer, identified the rescued Australian as Malcolm McIntyre, 57, who was rescued in the vicinity of Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City.

Cabaltera Navy personnel aboard Multi-Purpose Attack Craft BA487 launched a search and successfully located and rescued McIntyre after they received a distress call from the drifting yacht named “Spirit of Argao.”

Investigation showed that McIntyre departed the port of Dampier in Western Australia on August 4 and was set to arrive Monday, September 5, in Cebu City to visit his wife and son.

However, due to bad weather on Monday, McIntyre’s yacht drifted toward Coco Island, Akbar, Basilan, away from his intended route.

McIntyre lost control of his yacht as the outboard engine of the vessel malfunctioned and ran low on fuel.

Cabaltera said the responding personnel fixed the yacht’s engine and escorted McIntyre to Ensign Majini pier of the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in this city.

McIntyre underwent a medical checkup at Camp Navarro General Hospital and later was given nutritious food. (SunStar Zamboanga)