25 saved from ill-fated cargo ship

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) saved 25 people when the engine of their cargo ship broke down near an island of Basilan province.

Lt. Cmdr. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said the wooden-hulled M/V Temper Nurjuver was on its way to Luuk in Sulu from Zamboanga City last Sept. 14 when the tail of a whale hit its propeller and rudder off Lampinigan Island.

The cargo ship asked for assistance from the Coast Guard detachment in Basilan and a search and rescue team was sent out, he added.

Balilo said the 25 people were found to be unauthorized passengers and that the vessel had left Zamboanga City without submitting a Master’s Oath of Safety Departure.

Rescue boats took the 25 to Isabela City in Basilan, he added.

The 15.05 gross ton Temper Nurjuver was towed and docked at a wharf, Balilo said.