ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — At least 96 passengers and crewmembers of a motorboat were rescued by Coast Guard personnel on Tuesday after drifting for several hours in the waters off Basilan.
Lt. Cmdr. Alvin Dagalea said the passengers of M/L Anica were rescued near Mataja island in Maluso town at about 11 p.m.
The boat left this city at about 5:40 p.m. and was on its way to Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi when its transmission shafting malfunctioned.
Dagalea said the BRP Malabrigo was deployed for a rescue mission after receiving a distress call. The Anica was towed to this city at about 3 a.m. yesterday.