PHILIPPINE NAVY SHIP RESCUES AUSTRALIAN YACHT

BY: LTCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)

Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

The Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Alberto Navarette (PG-394) skippered by CDR RAMIL ROBERTO B ENRIQUEZ PN rescued a motor yacht along the coastal waters of Bacnotan, La Union Wednesday June 10, 2009. The yacht of Australian registry identified as M/Y Shadow of Lorelei gave out a distress signal after it suffered difficulty in the steering mechanism and its main propulsion engine conked out while underway in the waters of San Juan, also of La Union.

The Navy vessel immediately responded to the distress signal of M/Y Shadow of Lorelei while it was moored at San Fernando City Pier and immediately sped to the radioed location. Upon arrival at the rescue area, PG-394 gave away its towing line to the distressed ship. The crew of the yacht secured the line and was towed until they both reached San Fernando City Pier at 12:33 p.m. Upon arrival at San Fernando City, medical tests were conducted to the crew for the mandatory A(H1N1) check and related symptoms.

The yacht had on board, Mr. Mauro Migliorelli and Ms. Pauline Wilkinson. The vessel was headed to its homeport in Brisbane, Australia from Taiwan.