MANILA, Feb. 19 -- A Philippine Navy (PN) gunboat, the BRP Jose Loor Sr. (PC-390), helped the Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier, M/V Navios Lumen, in rescuing six passengers and crew of a sunken motor banca off Pangutaran Island, Sulu on Feb. 17.

The PN, in a statement Monday, said the M/B Lorena was sailing from Mapun enroute to Zamboanga City around Saturday noon when it encountered rough seas and strong currents, causing it to capsize.

That time, M/V Navios Lumen, which was headed toward Australia, was near the area and immediately maneuvered to rescue the passengers and crew of the motor banca.

The vessel reported the incident to authorities, including Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) which then deployed the BRP Jose Loor Sr. to ...