Manila, Oct. 6 -- Authorities have safely rescued 20 fishermen two hours after they received a distress call from a fishing vessel off Basilan, the police said Monday.

Major Geobani Calle, chief of the Basilan Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), said the 20 fishermen, all crew of FB Mona, were rescued around 7:25 a.m. Monday in the waters between Tamok Island, Basilan, and Duay Bulod Island, Sulu.

"A search and rescue team was quickly assembled upon receiving the distress call from FB Mona skipper Muhammad Javer and launched the rescue operation," Calle said in his report.

Investigation revealed that the fishing boat sank after battered by strong winds and large waves during a fishing venture.

Calle said the search and rescue team incl...