DOTC-PCG: All 64 passengers and 8 crew members of a distressed motor launch were safely disembarked at Sangali Fish Port Complex due to the assistance of the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Sangali, MCS 3009 and MCS 3003 last Saturday, January 11.

Around 8:00 AM of the said day, the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Zamboanga received a call from the operations manager of ML Magnolia Shipping Lines informing that ML Magnolia Emerald is in distress.

Said vessel departed Zamboanga City Port last January 10 at 10:20 PM enroute to Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay with a total of 72 passengers onboard consisting of 51 adults, 18 children and three infants and eight crew.

While navigating 12 NM off Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, said motor lauch encountered big waves that created a hole in its starboard bow causing the ingress of water inside her engine room.

Immediately, CGS Zamboanga directed CGSS Sangali to coordinate with Nancy Fishing Company which has fishing vessels engaged near the distress area. FB Century 2 was immediately requested by Nancy Fishing Company to transfer all passengers of ML Magnolia to the said vessel and be transported to the nearest safe port.

Both vessels safely arrived at the Sangali Fishing Port Complex. Personnel of CGSS Sangali, MCS 3009 and MCS 3003 assisted in the disembarkation of the passengers and provided food and temporary shelter while conducting profiling for prior disposition.

Representatives from ML Magnolia Shipping arrived at CGSS Sangali and immediately reimbursed the fare and travel expenses of passengers back to Zamboanga City proper.

ML Magnolia Emerald, a wooden hulled type passenger/cargo vessel with 81.27 GT/55.27 NT is owned and operated by Magnolia Shipping Lines Incorporated and skippered by Captain Felix Limosnero.