THE Philippine Navy's most decorated naval vessel, BRP-Miguel Malvar (PS-19), recently rescued a wooden-hulled vessel in distress with 33 people aboard off Tawi-Tawi, officials said Monday, December 7.

Lieutenant Chester Ross Cabaltera, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) information officer, said the PS-19 was conducting sovereignty and maritime patrol on Thursday, December 3, northeast off Lahangan Island, Pearl Bank, Tawi-Tawi, when the 26th Marine Company radioed that an unidentified vessel encountered mechanical failure and has been adrift for several hours.

Cabaltera said that after searching using electronic and visual means, the distressed vessel, M/L Uttoh Salon, was spotted dead on the water in the middle of an established Sea Lane of Communication (SLOC) near Laparan Island, Tawi-Tawi.

Cabaltera said the crew of PS-19 found out that the tail shaft of M/L Uttoh Salon was destroyed when the responding vessel went alongside the distressed watercraft and checked the well-being of all the passengers.

He said all the passengers were given potable water and food to prevent further dehydration.

He said the PS-19 towed M/L Uttoh Salon together with her passengers en route to Simbay Island, Pearl Bank, Tawi-Tawi and subsequently turned over to the local community leader for proper disposition.

Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr., MFWM commander, commended the crew of the PS-19 for their valiant deed and assured the public of the Navy's readiness to respond to the people's call for assistance in times of need. (SunStar Zamboanga)