The Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) rescued 30 passengers, including children and senior citizens, from a distressed wooden-hulled vessel off the Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi on Saturday.
Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., commander of the WMNC, identified the vessel as the M/L Nurdia.
The boat became stranded in open waters after suffering a broken rudder, which led to total engine failure at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Friday.
According to Reyes, the crew of the BRP Juan Magluyan (PC392) spotted a flashing light five nautical miles off its port bow while conducting a routine maritime patrol.
Despite encountering challenging sea conditions, the Navy crew reached the vessel and initiated a rescue operation.
Among those rescued were five children, two senior citizens, and one pregnant woman.
The passengers were transported to the Turtle Islands port, where they safely disembarked at around 4:45 a.m. Saturday.
Upon arrival, the Turtle Islands Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the local Coast Guard station provided the group with medical support, food, and water.