Manila: The Western Mindanao Naval Command (WMNC) rescued 30 passengers from a wooden-hulled vessel stranded off Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi, an official reported Saturday. Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., WMNC commander, stated that the passengers were aboard M/L Nurdia, which experienced engine failure due to a broken rudder around 9:30 p.m. Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the rescued passengers included one pregnant passenger, two senior citizens, and five children. While conducting a routine maritime patrol some 46 nautical miles east of Turtle Islands, the crew of BRP-Juan Magluyan (PC392) sighted a flashing light about five nautical miles off her port bow. Despite challenging sea conditions, the crew of PC392 promptly conducted a rescue and assistance operation.

All rescued passengers safely disembarked around 4:45 a.m. Saturday at the Turtle Islands port. The Turtle Islands Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, in coordination with the local Coast Guard station, provided immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, water, and medical support, to the rescued passengers.