Passenger boat capsizes off Sulu, Philippines; all on board rescued

The Philippine Coast Guard and other local partners safely rescued all six people who were on board a passenger boat that had capsized off Sulu province in the southern Philippines on Tuesday, August 5.

The vessel, identified as a "jungkung" type traditional wooden boat, capsized in the waters between the Sulu municipalities of Bangas and Jolo at around 19:30 local time on Tuesday.

The coast guard deployed rescue boats to the area. Other agencies that assisted in the search and rescue (SAR) effort include the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, the Philippine Red Cross, and the Sulu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (Sulu PDRRMO).

One of the boat's occupants suffered a minor laceration near the mouth though no serious injuries have been reported.

The SAR effort was concluded by 20:45 and all six of the rescued passengers and crew were brought to Jolo Wharf by 21:15.

"Rapid coordination and timely response from all agencies ensured the safety of everyone involved," the Sulu PDRRMO said in a social media post.