PANAMA CITY, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Panamanian navy rescued 15 people drifting in the Pacific Ocean after a shipwreck about 23 km to the western port of Pedregal, officials said Monday.

    According to the Aeronaval National Service (SNA) Authorities, the survivors were nine minors, four women and two men, who were all in good health despite the dehydration caused by the sun.

    The people were floating in the Pacific for more than seven hours, after their ship "Maitee" suffered mechanical failures, according to the SNA.

    The ship, which set sail from Pedregal port for recreation activities, was found later by a patrol at a location some 27 km off the coast.

    A woman, who had a cell phone and made an SOS call, played a vital role in getting the help.

    Authorities said the shipwreck occurred because the boat ran out of battery.