19 rescued from sinking vessel off Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Nineteen people were rescued from a sinking vessel in the waters off Banguingui town in Sulu yesterday.

The ML Sea Glory was sailing between Basilan and Sulu when it was battered by big waves and strong winds, according to Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., chief of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

The passengers including five females were headed to South Ubian in Tawi-Tawi when the Sea Glory developed engine trouble.

“Sea water penetrated the hull of the vessel and caused the engine to conk out and drift,” Adaci said.

Boat captain Mohammad Ali Assiong sent a distress call, prompting the Naval Task Group Sulu to deploy a multi-purpose attack craft to rescue the passengers.