3 beachgoers drown in Sorsogon
MANILA — A holiday trip turned into a tragedy after three beachgoers drowned in the waters off Barangay San Rafael in Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon last Wednesday, November 4.
The victims, aged 18, 25, and 42, were in the area for the Undas break when strong waves and heavy currents swept them away while swimming around 9:00 a.m.
Authorities said two male victims died after trying to save the female victim who was first seen in distress.
“According to a minor witness, the two male individuals attempted to rescue the female victim who was initially in distress in the water; however, strong currents and large waves reportedly overwhelmed them,” Coast Guard District Bicol (CGDBCL) said in a statement.
Responders immediately launched search and rescue operations after receiving the report.
Local bystanders initially pulled the female victim out of the water. Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) responders loaded her into an ambulance, but doctors at the hospital declared her dead on arrival.
“MDRRMO ERT Team 2 immediately responded to the area. Upon arrival, responders found one female victim unconscious, being carried by bystanders,” the Sta. Magdalena MDRRMO reported.
The body of the 25-year-old male victim was recovered later that morning along the bay of Sitio Marhay. Meanwhile, joint search teams recovered the body of the 42-year-old victim near Sitio Olango on Thursday afternoon, November 5, after a local fisherman spotted the cadaver.
Coast Guard District Bicol expressed its condolences to the families and urged the public to stay safe near the sea.
“CGDBCL extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and reminds the public to exercise caution during water-related activities, remain vigilant of prevailing sea conditions, and avoid areas with strong currents and rough waters,” the Coast Guard added.
Police authorities also warned locals and tourists that the area is dangerous for swimming, especially during bad weather, due to strong undertows—or continuous currents of water moving seaward beneath the surface after waves wash onto the shore.
The bodies of the victims were brought to a local funeral home in Matnog, Sorsogon.