Seven rescued following boat capsizing off Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

The crew of a Philippine Marine Corps vessel came to the aid of the occupants of a small boat that had capsized off Tawi-Tawi province on Monday, May 9.

The small unit riverine craft SURC 02 was operating in the waters off the municipality of Bongao in the early evening (local time) of Monday when one of the crew sighted flashing lights some distance away.

The marines then approached the source of the lights and soon discovered a capsized banca-type outrigger boat and seven people adrift in the water.

The castaways were all safely rescued and transported to shore to receive medical attention. No serious injuries have been reported.

The capsized boat and the castaways were found in waters that were experiencing rough weather and sea conditions at the time.