12 Filipinos injured in sea mishap off Sabah, 158 passengers rescued

SULU – Malaysian authorities have rescued over 150 people, including about a dozen Filipinos who were injured after their ferry collided with a barge off the coast of Semporna in Sabah near the southern Philippines.

The passengers were rescued late Wednesday after the ferry MB Juhari was damaged from the collision, according to reports. The ferry came from Bongao town in the Filipino province of Tawi-Tawi and was heading to Semporna district in Tawau town when the barge collided with the vessel just a kilometer way from the coastline.

There was no report of casualties, but five Malaysians were also injured in the mishap. A total of 158 passengers have been rescued from the ferry and taken to Semporna, but it was not immediately known how many Filipinos were on the ferry.

The injured passengers were rushed to the Semporna Hospital for treatment although their injuries were not life threatening.

The Philippine Coast Guard and Navy were not immediately available to comment on the situation of other Filipino passengers. (Mindanao Examiner)

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