LAMITAN CITY — What was meant to be a routine maiden voyage turned into a terrifying ordeal for passengers of MV Ciara Joy 5 when strong winds battered the vessel during its trip from Zamboanga City to Lamitan City, resulting in a pregnant passenger suffering a miscarriage at sea.
The victim was identified as Raizel Fernandez, 33, a native of Dipolog City and a temporary resident of Barangay Bato, Lamitan City. According to an initial report from the Lamitan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Fernandez was two to three months pregnant when she began experiencing abdominal pain and bleeding while the ship was near Sta. Cruz Island.
Personnel from the CDRRMO and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Sea Marshals, who were on board the vessel, immediately responded and provided first aid. Upon arrival at the Port of Lamitan, Fernandez was rushed to a local hospital for emergency medical care.
Witnesses recounted that the strong winds and turbulent waves caused panic among passengers, many of whom feared for their safety as the vessel rocked heavily during the crossing.
Authorities reminded the public — especially pregnant women and individuals with delicate health conditions — to avoid sea travel during rough weather to prevent similar incidents.
“Safety should always come first. If there are advisories of strong winds or rough seas, it’s best to postpone travel, particularly for those in vulnerable conditions,” a CDRRMO officer advised.
The incident underscores the importance of both travel preparedness and strict weather monitoring before any voyage. It also highlights the crucial role of trained emergency personnel on board passenger vessels in ensuring swift response during medical and safety emergencies.
As sea conditions in parts of the region remain affected by strong winds and the intertropical convergence zone, authorities are once again urging travelers to heed weather advisories and exercise extreme caution.