Tawi-tawi: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully rescued 62 individuals after the motorboat M/L Trisha Mae experienced engine failure in the waters near Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, on July 27.

According to Philippines News Agency, PCG commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan praised the swift and coordinated efforts of the responding personnel, highlighting the critical importance of timely maritime response in safeguarding lives at sea. The PCG's rescue operation was initiated after a report reached the agency's Sub-Station Bongao, prompting the deployment of a search and rescue team. This team, accompanied by personnel from the Marine Environmental Protection Unit and Special Operations Group aboard M/L Piaksah, successfully located the stranded vessel and towed it safely to the Port of Bongao.

The M/L Trisha Mae, which was en route to Mapun, Tawi-Tawi, carrying 10 crew members and 52 passengers, arrived at the Port of Bongao at 10:30 p.m. All individuals on board were reported to be in good physical condition, ensuring a safe conclusion to what could have been a perilous situation.

In a parallel operation, the PCG continues its search and rescue efforts for the 14 crew members of a Vietnamese cargo vessel that reportedly sank in the vicinity of Kagitingan Reef in the West Philippine Sea. As of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the PCG's BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) was conducting its sixth leg of search operations, broadcasting radio alerts to all nearby ships to assist in the search and remain vigilant for any signs of survivors.

Despite facing moderate to rough sea conditions, BRP Malapascua is committed to systematically covering the designated search area. The vessel is working in coordination with other participating vessels and has been reinforced with the Marine Science Technical Service, Special Operations Unit, PCG Medical Service, and PCG Nursing Service to enhance the humanitarian mission. Adm. Gavan assured that the search would persist until all avenues have been thoroughly explored.