BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — Twelve passengers of the motor boat M/L Sitti Nur were rescued and treated after the vessel sank on Monday morning while en route from Simunul to Bongao, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred near White Port in Barangay Sumandagit, Bongao, after the vessel encountered strong winds and large waves brought about by bad weather conditions. Survivors were immediately brought ashore and rushed to IPHO Tawi-Tawi Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital for emergency medical treatment and evaluation.
Hospital management, through Dr. Sangkula Laja, reported that all 12 passengers were declared safe and out of danger. Five of them were admitted for further observation as a precaution, while the rest were treated and later cleared after medical assessment. No serious or life-threatening injuries were recorded.
Initial reports indicate that M/L Sitti Nur departed Simunul early in the morning bound for Bongao when it was struck by powerful waves, causing the motor launch to take on water and eventually sink.
Local authorities are continuing to assess the incident and have once again reminded sea travelers and vessel operators to strictly observe weather advisories, especially amid unstable sea conditions in the province.
An investigation is expected to determine whether safety protocols were fully observed prior to the vessel’s departure.