DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte — A supposed joyful family outing ended in tragedy after a father and a 16-year-old boy drowned when a rented small boat capsized off Heaven’s Beach in Dapitan City on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The fatalities were identified as Jehil Velasco, 46, a resident of Barangay Gonosan, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur, and Jeymar Eniego, 16, a resident of Sebukang, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur.
According to reports from rescuers and witnesses, the group was enjoying a family gathering when the rented motorized boat or “bangka” they were riding suddenly overturned after being struck by strong turbulent waves. Authorities and witnesses said the vessel was allegedly carrying passengers beyond its safe capacity at the time of the incident.
Initial investigations revealed that Velasco reportedly attempted to save his Grade 10 son, identified only by his alias “Doydoy,” after the boat capsized. However, while trying to rescue his child from the rough waters, the father himself disappeared beneath the sea.
Video footage circulating online showed rescuers desperately performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Velasco after he was pulled from the water. Reports said he was the last person retrieved by responders after being submerged for more than 10 minutes.
Despite efforts by rescuers to revive the victims, both Velasco and Eniego were declared dead on arrival at a medical facility.
Meanwhile, Velasco’s son survived the ordeal and is currently recovering. Another male passenger from Gonosan, Molave also survived the incident.
Witnesses said panic erupted as the overloaded boat struggled against strong waves before eventually capsizing near the beach resort. Several beachgoers and emergency responders immediately rushed to the scene to assist in the rescue operations.
The tragic deaths left the victims’ families devastated. Their remains have already been brought to their respective homes where relatives continue to mourn the sudden loss.
Authorities noted that this was already the second drowning incident recorded in the waters of Dapitan City during the final week of May 2026, prompting renewed warnings to the public regarding sea safety.
Local officials reminded beachgoers and tourists to strictly observe safety measures, including checking the passenger capacity of boats, wearing life vests at all times, and avoiding sea travel or recreational activities when weather conditions are rough.
The incident sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations, particularly among operators of small rented boats commonly used during beach outings and island-hopping activities.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.