COTABATO CITY — All 12 passengers and crew members of a wooden-hulled vessel are safe today after a harrowing maritime accident off the coast of Tawi-Tawi on Monday morning.
The motor banca Sitti Nur was navigating the waters near Simunul at past 9:00 a.m. when it was hammered by powerful waves and strong winds. The vessel began to disintegrate under the pressure, eventually sinking partially and leaving those on board clinging to floating debris.
A Race Against Time A dramatic video captured by one of the passengers shortly before the boat capsized showed the frantic moments as the vessel took on water. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Sub-Station Simunul search and rescue team, joined by the maritime police, Philippine Marines, and a provincial speed boat, launched a coordinated rescue operation.
Through their combined efforts, all 12 individuals were pulled from the water and transported to Bongao town for medical attention.
Health Update Dr. Sangkula Laja of the Integrated Provincial Health Office in Bongao confirmed that while all survivors are out of danger, five passengers remain confined for observation. Fortunately, no life-threatening injuries were reported.
“All of them were declared safe and out of danger,” Laja stated, noting that the survivors were being monitored for exhaustion and trauma following their ordeal at sea.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile sea conditions in the region during this time of year. Authorities continue to advise small sea craft and wooden-hulled vessels to exercise extreme caution or avoid travel during periods of high waves and strong winds.