THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have rescued 96 people, including 10 crewmen, aboard a wooden-hulled vessel in distress off Basilan province, officials announced Wednesday.
Lieutenant Commander Alvin Dagalea, PCG-Zamboanga Station commander, said the 96 individuals were rescued around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday near Mataja Island, Hadji Muhtamad town, formerly known as Pilas Group of Islands.
Dagalea said the vessel, M/L Anica, drifted at sea after its engines’ transmission shaft broke while sailing from Zamboanga City to the island town of Tandubas in Tawi-Tawi province.
The BRP-Malabrigo (MRRV-4402) responded and rescued the passengers and crew after receiving the radio distress message from M/L Anica.
Captain Charlie Rances, BRP-Malabrigo skipper, said they ferried the passengers and crew while another PCG vessel, DF-314, towed M/L Anica to the Zamboanga City. (SunStar Philippines)