A 31-year-old French tourist was found dead after reportedly drowning in a swimming pool at a resort in Barangay Pacifico in the municipality of San Isidro, Surigao del Norte on Thursday morning, March 5.
Authorities identified the victim as Ulrich Cillard, a 31-year-old national of France who was staying as a guest at Trogons Perch Resort.
According to reports, the incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. when responders received information that a foreign tourist had been found unconscious in the resort’s swimming pool.
Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in San Isidro immediately rushed to the scene. Among those who responded were Fire Officer 1 Eduard Jayro T. Sarong and Fire Officer 1 Milkymar E. Platil under the supervision of Senior Fire Officer 2 Randolp P. Dizon. They were joined by members of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the Philippine National Police through the San Isidro Municipal Police Station, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Initial information indicated that concerned citizens had already attempted to assist the victim before authorities arrived. However, when responders reached the resort, Cillard was already unresponsive.
Emergency responders immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and rushed the victim to the Siargao Island Medical Center in the nearby municipality of Dapa, Surigao del Norte.
Despite efforts to revive him, the attending physician declared the tourist dead on arrival at the hospital.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances and cause of the drowning incident.
Barangay Pacifico, located in San Isidro, is one of the popular coastal areas in Surigao del Norte known for surfing and tourism, particularly among foreign visitors exploring nearby Siargao Island.
Local authorities urged resort operators and visitors to remain vigilant and strictly observe safety measures around swimming areas to prevent similar tragedies.