Navy Ship Rescues 9 Passengers of Capsized Boat in Cotabato City

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Wednesday, 23 September 2009

The Philippine Navy’s Diesel Fast Craft (DF 323) rescued nine passengers of a capsized ferry boat in Cotabato City yesterday, 22 September 2009.

In a report sent by Cdr Elpidio Francisco, Commander, Naval Task Group 73 (CNTG 73) to Navy Chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez, DF 323 was on its way yesterday noon to Palembang, east of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat when it was stopped by a motor boat who informed the Navy of the incident. Upon getting clearance from CNTG 73, PO3 James Collado, DF 323 boat captain immediately rushed to the rescue scene and recovered the nine passengers of F/B Pamela 7 in the vicinity off Lubong Pt, between Cotabato City and Kalamansig around 11pm.

F/B Pamela 7 with 20 passengers on board was bound for Kalamansig from Cotabato City when it capsized around 2pm Monday, 21 September 2009 due to rough seas. The incident however was not reported. The 11 other passengers who had been rescued earlier by a motor boat were brought to Cotabato City. The passengers rescued by the Navy- 7 males, 1 female and a child were ferried to Kalamansig last night.

The Navy’s immediate response that saved lives anew manifests its multi-faceted role that includes non-combat missions such as search and rescue operations during times of emergencies and natural calamities.