MANILA -- The Philippine Navy rescued 26 individuals from a sinking boat near Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi Sunday.

The survivors were onboard M/L Bangsata when it sank around 6 a.m. A total of 32 individuals were on the boar, bound for South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi. They departed Taganak at 1:45 a.m.

According to the Philippine Navy, it received information from Singapore-flagged tanker EONIA that a distressed vessel was spotted near Taganak Island. They immediately send a vessel, which reached the area at 9:05 p.m.

A total of 26 survivors were rescued by the Philippine Navy, while six others were rescued by a Malaysian vessel.

The rescued passengers received medical assistance, food and warm clothing. Authorities have also coordinated with the Malaysian vessel to facilitate the safe return of the six other survivors.