15 rescued as motorboat capsizes off Tawi-Tawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A wooden-hulled motor launch capsized off Simunul Island, Tawi-Tawi Sunday after it was battered by strong winds and big waves spawned by tropical storm Lando, according to naval authorities.

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) reported at least 15 passengers and crew members were rescued following hours of search and rescue operation, said Ensign Reybee Alabata, information officer.

Alabata said the ill-fated M/L J-Rem, a 45.10 gross tonnage watercraft, capsized about 10:41 a.m. Sunday at the vicinity of Sibutu Passage, off Simunul Island municipality.

She said reports received by NFWM chief Commodore Premitivo Gopo disclosed that Tawi-Tawi Vice Gov. Sadikul Sahali immediately alerted the Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard and police in Bongao. The teams immediately dispatched their respective vessels for inter-agency search and rescue operation.

Gopo said due to the strong waves and rip tides, the half-submerged M/L J-Rem drifted along with the passengers and crew clinging on its side from Sibutu Passage to South Ubian Island.

The Navy Patrol Gunboat 383 spotted the ill-fated craft and rescued all its passengers in distress some 17 nautical miles in South Ubian more than two hours later.

The rescued victims were immediately provided first aid and brought to Simunul Island.

LIVE updates: Typhoon 'Lando'