65 rescued off Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – At least 65 passengers were rescued when their ferry was battered by big waves off Basilan last Sunday night, authorities said.

Capt. Perfecto Eden, commander of the Coast Guard station here, said the M/V Katrina IV was headed to this city from Jolo, Sulu when water entered its engine room, causing a mechanical malfunction, near Pandukan Point off Pilas Island. 

Eden said a passing vessel got the ferry’s distress call and safely rescued all the passengers, including minors and women.