ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 13, 2008) – Philippine soldiers rescued 15 passengers and found four bodies from a capsized boat off the southern island of Pata in the Sulu archipelago, officials said.
Officials said among those dead were three minors who drowned after their small boat, battered by huge waves and strong wind, sank over the weekend. A five-year old girl is missing and feared dead. One of those rescued, Juraisa Taub, 8, later died at a clinic.
"The boat was carrying 20 passengers, six of them children, on their way to Pata island from nearby Daongdong island when the tragedy struck," said Major Eugene Batara, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command headquarters.
He said one of boat's operators managed to swim to Pata island and sought help.
Those who died in the tragedy were identified as Naima Nassir, 35; Patrah Nassir, 5; Gemar Arkan, 4; and Nihma Arkan, 47. The military identified the missing girl as Sinnag Arkam, 5.
Those who survived have been identified as Hatib Aran, 60; Salip Arson, 40; Rakmah Bahari, 45; Admer Hussein, 14; Elein Parson, 8; Benhur Taub, an infant; Ben Hur Taub Sr. 27; Hussein Arkan, 40; Ardamir Imbug, 28; Armager Imbug, 14; Nurhima Parson, 13, Edemar Taub, 14; Tungga Uddaman, 45; and Mado Tunnga, 18.
"Rescuers also exerted efforts to recover the body of Sinnag Arkan but they were not successful. The search and rescue was aborted due to poor visibility and rough sea condition," Batara said.
Fishermen and civilian divers from Pata island also helped the soldiers in the rescue, but they aborted the search for the missing girl eight hours later due to poor visibility and rough sea condition, he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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