PCG: A total of 20 passengers and 13 crew members were rescued last Friday, May 8, by the personnel of Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Siasi from a distressed cargo vessel five nautical miles south of Lugus Island, Sulu.

Gamal K. Abusan, owner and operator of ML Sweet Adelaida, reported to the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Jolo that her vessel's main engine overheated and left them stranded at sea. 

CGS Jolo immediately deployed the search and rescue team of CGSS Siasi to assist the stranded crew and passengers of ML Sweet Adelaida. The Coast Guard utilized ML Fatima Sharifa for the SAR operation and towed the distressed cargo vessel back to Siasi Pier with all crew and passengers in good physical condition.

The wooden hulled cargo vessel, with 32.36 GT, reportedly damaged its rubber impeller that provides cooling to the main engine while on its way to South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi.