The crew of a Philippine Navy patrol craft successfully rescued all 121 occupants of a passenger ferry after it suffered engine failure and went adrift for six days in the waters of the southern Philippines.
The navy said the ferry J Sayang 1 had become stranded in adverse weather off Tawi-Tawi province after its engine broke down on January 8.
Although the crew were able to repair the engine, the vessel suffered a series of mechanical issues, leaving it without propulsive power or any means to communicate with other vessels.
As there had been no word from the passengers or the crew over the succeeding days due to the loss of communication, local authorities had initially reported the vessel as missing.
The crew of the navy coastal patrol craft BRP Jose Loor Sr located the distressed vessel approximately 5.4 nautical miles west of Siklangkalong Island in Tawi-Tawi at around 12:00 local time on Wednesday, January 15.
The navy craft then manoeuvred alongside the distressed vessel to render assistance to the 106 passengers and 15 crewmembers by providing food, water, and internet access to enable them to contact their families.
Navy officials said the rescued individuals were in good physical condition but were psychologically distressed as a result of their ordeal.
The navy craft then towed the distressed vessel to Taja Island in Tawi-Tawi, where a relief vessel later arrived with additional fuel and provisions.
J Sayang 1 was eventually towed to its intended final destination in Tawi-Tawi's Turtle Islands.