Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) rescued thirty eight local tourists, including two infants and eight members of the Philippine Army, who were stranded at Great Sta Cruz, Island, Barangay Sta. Barbara, Zamboanga City due to bad weather on 20 July 2013.
Early afternoon two days ago, while PN vessels were at sea conducting Search and Rescue Exercise for the At Sea Events of Exercise “PAGSASAMA” 2013, NFWM received a report that a number of local tourists were stranded at Great Sta. Cruz Island, a local tourist spot in Zamboanga City.
Commander NFWM (CNFWM), RADM ISABELO H GADOR AFP, immediately instructed the deployment of vessels to respond to the situation.
The two Multi-Purpose Attack Craft, (MPAC) BA 486 and BA 487, commanded by LTJG MARLON A PACA-ANAS and LTJG FROILAN P COLICO PN respectively, undertook the mission. The suppose simulation of conducting search and rescue turned into an actual rescue operation.
The timely rescue and assistance rendered by the two vessels that brave the bad weather conditions led to the successful accomplishment of their mission.
[mappress] Press Release, July 23, 2013; Image: The Philippine Navy