18 rescued as boat sinks off Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Eighteen people were rescued after a motorized banca capsized in the waters off Sulu on Sunday.

The 18 were headed home from a picnic on an island off the coast of Hadji Panglima Tahil town when strong winds and big waves battered their boat.

The Maritime Police station in Sulu said the victims are members of the civic group Radio Emergency Communication Operation Network based in Sulu and in this city.

After receiving a distress call, the Maritime Police dispatched its high-speed tactical watercraft with a rescue team on board headed by Maj. Joel Senogat Jr. and S/Sgt. Alfahadz Mawadil.

The victims were brought to the police station, where they underwent medical checkup.