ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Some 158 Filipinos, including 12 injured victims, were rescued Wednesday off an island near Sabah after a Malaysian vessel sank last Wednesday, according to a security official.
Maj. Felimon Tan Jr., spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the victims were on board the M/V Juhari, a Malaysian-registered vessel, when it sank at about 8:30 p.m.
A report from their Malaysian counterpart said the vessel left Bongao, Tawi-Tawi bound for Semporna, Sabah when it accidentally rammed a barge and sank near Bum-bum.
Tan said Malaysian authorities rescued all 158 passengers after receiving distress calls.
According to Tan, there was no reported fatality in the mishap, but 12 of the victims were injured and brought to the Semporna hospital for treatment.