57 rescued from sinking boat off Zamboanga Sibugay

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - At least 57 passengers, including eight minors and a baby, were rescued from a sinking boat in waters off Zamboanga Sibugay province over the weekend, a coast guard official said Monday.

The coast guard station here reported the M/L Magnolia with its 57 passengers left the city Friday night bound for Talusan town off Oluntanga Island in Zamboanga Sibugay when it was battered by big waves.

Lt. Junior Grade Jomark Angue, Coast Guard Station commander, said the vessel sustained leak and water filled its engine room causing it to malfunction. The boat then drifted between the waters of Talusan and Zamboanga Sibugay on Saturday morning.

He said a passing fishing boat marked "Century" spotted the distressed vessel and rescued all of its passengers.