50 rescued from sinking motorboat in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi

At least 50 passengers were rescued after a motorboat was damaged and sank in the waters off Simunul, Tawi-Tawi on January 19.

According to Efren Mamac’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” a hole at the front of the motorboat prompted passengers to move to the back of the vessel.

After a while, passengers began jumping into the water as the motorboat sank, holding onto their luggage and empty containers to stay afloat.

According to one of the passengers, they were not wearing life vests since they were in the inner part of the motorboat.

It took over an hour before they were rescued, with the help of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine Navy, the Philippine National Police, and the Simunul local government.

According to the PCG, the boat was unable to withstand the strong waves.

All passengers were rescued. They were brought to the hospital and provided medical assistance.

Meanwhile, 108 boat passengers were rescued after they were stranded in the waters of Taganak, Tawi-Tawi, on January 16.

Among the rescued passengers is a six-month-old baby.

Due to engine failure, the boat from Zamboanga City was stranded for about six days before passengers were rescued.— Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News