Cargo vessel sinks off Sulu; 9 rescued

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Nine crewmembers were rescued after their cargo vessel sank off Parang town in Sulu province, the military reported yesterday.

The M/L Jainulin, loaded with 70,000 liters of diesel and automotive parts, reportedly left Jolo for Tawi-Tawi when it sank Tuesday due to rough seas.

The shipment was reportedly owned by the Tawi-Tawi Nickel Corp.

A patrolling boat of the 2nd Marine Brigade responded and rescued the crewmembers, who were escorted to this city on Wednesday.

No one among the crewmembers was hurt.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy (PN) launched a search and rescue operation for another motorboat that drifted off Taganak in Tawi-Tawi yesterday morning.

The chief of the PN Patrol Gunboat (PG) 381 received a distress call at about 9 a.m. from the M/L Rihanna 2.

The boat reportedly came from this city and was headed for Taganak when it developed engine trouble off the waters of Pangutaran, Sulu.

There was no immediate report regarding the number of passengers and crew on board the missing boat.

The search continued even as the PN patrol boat lost contact with the Rihanna 2.