SULU, Philippines — A coordinated search and rescue operation led by the Philippine Coast Guard and local authorities resulted in the safe rescue of crew members of the motor launch M/L Aizalyn after the vessel reportedly sank in the waters off Sulari, Parang, Sulu late Tuesday night.
According to initial reports from Coast Guard Sub-Station Siasi and Coast Guard Station Western Sulu, the vessel went down at around 10:00 p.m. while traveling from Sabah, Malaysia to Sulu. Authorities immediately launched a search and rescue mission involving Coast Guard units from Pangutaran and Siasi, as well as the local government of Lugus.
Early updates indicated that survivors were sighted on the island known as Damai. Coast Guard personnel were quickly dispatched to the area to verify the condition of those who had made it to safety and to ensure their immediate rescue.
Officials said that during the initial search, responders had not yet located debris from the sunken vessel, based on accounts from relatives of the passengers who reported the incident. Authorities are also still verifying the exact number of passengers and crew who were on board at the time of the sinking.
The rescue operation was carried out through a unified effort involving the Lugus local government, barangay officials, police, and emergency responders. The operation in the Municipality of Lugus was conducted in close coordination with barangay officials led by Barangay Chairperson Nurhada Hajiri, along with municipal officials and emergency response teams including the MDRRMO, Rural Health Unit, and the Philippine National Police.
Local officials later confirmed that the rescued crew members were brought to Barangay Parian Kayawan in Lugus, where they received assistance and medical attention. Community leaders reported that all of them were safe and awaiting reunification with their families.
The Sulu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council expressed gratitude to responders who immediately mobilized assets and personnel to locate and rescue the victims. Acting on behalf of Governor Abdusakur Tan, the council commended the Lugus Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the local government under Mayor Almedzar Hajiri for deploying boats and manpower during the rescue efforts.
Authorities also recognized the Coast Guard Station Western Sulu, led by Commander Al-hafidz Bih, for their persistence in locating and assisting the survivors amid challenging sea conditions.
Family members of those aboard the vessel also extended their heartfelt thanks to the Coast Guard, barangay officials, volunteers, and community members who joined the search and rescue operations across the vast waters of Sulu. Many credited the swift response and cooperation among agencies and local residents for ensuring the safe recovery of the victims.
While all reported crew members have been accounted for and are safe, authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances that led to the sinking of M/L Aizalyn and to confirm additional details about the voyage and the people on board.