Basilan: Maritime authorities have successfully rescued approximately 200 passengers from a vessel that experienced distress off the coast of Basilan province early Monday morning. The vessel, M/L AS Express, encountered mechanical issues while en route to Zamboanga City from Banguingui, Sulu.
According to Philippines News Agency, Col. Jose Manuel Payos, the chief of the Regional Maritime Unit-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (RMUBAR), reported that the rescue operation took place around 5:30 a.m. near Pangasaan Island in Lantawan town. The passengers were safely escorted to Zamboanga City with the support of Philippine Coast Guard personnel aboard the BRP-Tubbataha.
This incident follows a similar event on January 30, when maritime police successfully rescued a wooden-hulled vessel, M/L Piaksa, in distress off Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. The vessel was traveling to Sibutu from Bongao when it suffered an engine malfunction. Fortunately, the four passengers on board were safely transported to the headquarters of the 1st Special Operations Unit of the maritime police.
These rescues highlight the ongoing efforts and preparedness of maritime authorities in ensuring the safety of passengers traveling by sea in the region.
