MANTIGUE ISLAND, CAMIGUIN — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) promptly responded to a drowning incident on Sunday, December 22, after a swimmer panicked upon encountering a giant sea turtle in the waters of Mantigue Island.
The victim, identified as 49-year-old Mike Dela Peña, a resident of Talakag, Bukidnon, was enjoying a swim at the island’s sanctuary area at around 11:10 a.m. when he unexpectedly came face-to-face with the marine creature. Overcome with fear, he struggled to stay afloat and eventually drowned.
Duty personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Mahinog, along with a lifeguard on site, immediately responded after receiving the report at 11:15 a.m. Rescuers successfully pulled Dela Peña out of the water and brought him to the shoreline where he was assessed to be conscious and responsive.
He was quickly transported via a motor banca and turned over to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Mahinog for proper medical attention.
The Coast Guard stressed that the incident serves as a reminder to always exercise caution in open waters, particularly when encountering marine animals.
As the holiday season brings more visitors to beaches and resorts, the PCG issued a strong safety reminder to the public:
- Always swim in designated areas with lifeguards nearby.
- Wear life vests when engaging in water activities.
- Stay calm and avoid panic when encountering marine wildlife.
- Follow instructions from authorities and observe safety advisories.
- Keep a close watch on children and non-swimmers at all times.
The PCG urges everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize safety to prevent similar incidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation for all.
For emergencies, the public is advised to immediately contact the nearest Coast Guard unit or emergency responders.