Cargo vessel tilts off Zamboanga del Norte; 13 crew rescued

A cargo vessel carrying 170 tons of cement accidentally tilted due to bad weather off Bayangan Island in Zamboanga del Norte on Monday, Jan. 15.

PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo said 13 crew members of M/V Star Sabang were rescued by personnel of the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Salug.

Balilo said that the captain of the vessel, Mr. Zamcebar Cutaran, called the CGSS Salug to report about their ordeal. The vessel departed from Cebu en route to Zamboanga.

According to Cutaran, they were sailing in the vicinity waters of Bayangan Island when they were hit by huge waves and strong wind.

As a result, their cargoes moved to one side of the vessel, causing it to tilt.

“Immediately, the CGSS Salug quick response team proceeded to Labason, Zamboanga Del Norte to coordinate with Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Managemet Office (MDRRMO) for a rescue operation,” Balilo said.

The rescued crew members were brought to Bayangan Island.

“The captain also requested for the close monitoring of the ship as it is only 600 yards away from their current position,” Balilo shared.

The vessel was later towed by her sister ship, MT Star Danao, around 10 p.m.