Philippine Navy Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations Unrelenting as of 0740H

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

Monday, 07 September 2009

Navy Patrol Gunboat 111 and Diesel Fast 348 are now at the Search and Rescue or Recovery (SARR) area relieving-in place the six Philippine Navy Vessels that promptly begun rescue operations as early as 730 AM of 06 Sept 09.

CDR RAMIL ENRIQUEZ, CO of PG 111 reports oil sleek in the area. Weather is fine.

Philippine Navy’s PG 116, PG 117, Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts BA 482 and BA 483, and the 2 Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boats had to return to Naval Forces Western Mindanao Headquarters in Zamboanga City for refueling and reprovisioning after 18 hrs of unrelenting SAR operations and its food and water given to the hungry and thirsty passengers rescued.

Navy Chief VADM Ferdinand Golez directs unrelenting rescue operations even at night time aware that time is ticking against the passengers who may still be struggling to survive.