Navy rescues Australian aboard drifting yacht off Zamboanga

PNA
07 Sep 2022, 13:59 GMT+10

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) rescued an Australian drifting at sea aboard his yacht for several hours after a 30-day voyage from Australia, an official of NFWM said Wednesday.

Lt. Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, NFWM information officer, said Malcolm McIntyre was rescued around 7:50 p.m. Monday in the vicinity of Sta. Cruz Island in this city.

McIntyre, 57, was rescued by personnel of the Multi-Purpose Attack Craft BA487 who responded to a distress call from the yacht, "Spirit of Argao" drifting at sea.

Cabaltera said McIntyre departed the port of Dampier in Western Australia on Aug. 4 and was set to arrive on Sept. 5 in Cebu City to visit his wife and son.

Due to bad weather on Monday, his yacht drifted in the direction of Coco Island, Akbar, Basilan, away from his intended route.

"Unfortunately, the vessel's outboard motor encountered an engine problem and low fuel level causing him to lose control of his vessel," Cabaltera said.

McIntyre complained of weariness and hunger after spending hours at sea attempting to fix the engine of his yacht.

Cabaltera said the responding personnel, after fixing the yacht's engine, escorted McIntyre to the Ensign Majini pier of the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon here.

McIntyre was brought to Camp Navarro General Hospital where he underwent a medical check-up and later was given nutritious food.

As of this posting, McIntyre is undergoing interviews with local immigration officials.

"If all goes well, he shall be allowed to continue his voyage to Cebu as soon as his yacht is restored in good condition," Cabaltera said. (PNA)

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