Hijacked Indonesian vessel found in Davao

MANILA, Philippines - An Indonesian cargo vessel that was hijacked a month ago in North Sulawesi, Indonesia has been found stuck in the waters off Mati, Davao Oriental, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported yesterday.

PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo said the PCG- Southeastern Mindanao district was informed on Feb. 23 that the M/T Rehoboth was found aground off Barangay Cabuaya.

Four personnel from the local PCG district office were sent to verify the report.

Balilo said the PCG personnel returned to the ship to gather more information and monitor any oil spill in the area.

The vessel was reportedly hijacked by Filipino-speaking pirates on Jan. 28 near Paraitan Lembeh Island in North Sulawesi.

The vessel’s skipper, Capt. Ridwaan Balati, told investigators that the hijackers, who arrived in a wooden boat, were armed with guns and machetes and were communicating in English and Filipino.

Balilo clarified that while the bandits were heard speaking in Filipino, it was not certain that they were Filipinos.

Two Indonesian crewmembers were reportedly thrown overboard in the waters off Nain or Wori in North Minahasa and were rescued by fishermen.

They reported the incident to their office in Bitung City, Sulawesi.

The remaining 13 crewmembers were released at sea in a life raft as the hijackers took control of the ship and its cargo. 

The 13 crewmembers were rescued on Jan. 31 by the Indonesian maritime police off Bitung City.