This is the dramatic moment the Philippine Navy rescued dozens of passengers from a ferry sinking in rough seas.

The Navy responded to the emergency after a Singaporean-flagged tanker, Eonia, alerted authorities to the distressed vessel drifting some 17 nautical miles off Tawi-Tawi province.

Rescuers arrived at the scene, where some 26 people were clinging onto debris from the shattered wooden ship, the M/L Bangsata, which sank when it was battered by high waves.

Footage shows the life-vest wearing passengers swimming toward the Navy patrol craft as officers threw life preservers to aid the other stranded individuals on March 17.

Rear Admiral Francisco Tagamolila Jr., Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander, said 26 of the 32 passengers were rescued. The other six were reported to have been saved by a passing Malaysian vessel.

The navy commander said in a statement: 'Coordination is ongoing to facilitate their safe return. According to the passengers, the M/L Bangsata departed Turtle Islands at 1:45 am on Sunday, bound for South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi. However, they encountered rough seas and sank at around 6 am. They clung to debris until their rescue.

'A Singaporean-flagged tanker, the Eonia, first spotted the distressed vessel and alerted authorities, enabling the Philippine Navy's Naval Monitoring Station (NMS) Taganak and BRP-Jose Loor Sr. (PC-390) to launch an immediate rescue mission.

'NMS Taganak maintained continuous communication with EONIA, ensuring swift coordination and accurate location of the incident.'

While onboard the Navy ship, the survivors received medical assistance, food and warm clothing from the crew.

Authorities said they were safely transported to the Taganak Pier. The passengers were handed over to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for further medical attention and care.