APD | Eight deaths reported in dragon boat mishap

By APD writer Melo M. Acuna

MANILA, Sept. 25 (APD) - Philippine Coast Guard personnel conducted search and rescue operations at 7:40 A.M. today in a village in popular tourist destination Boracay Island in Central Philippines when the boat of the Boracay Dragon Force Team with 21 members capsized.

Phil. Coast Guard spokesman Capt. Arman Balilo said seven persons were reported to have died on the mishap site while 13 others were rescued. Another individual died while bring brought to Kalibo town in Aklan for medical attention.

Philippine Coast Guard elements seen transferring one of the 13 rescued to a waiting ambulance. (PCG Photo)

The casualties were not identified in the report pending the official notification of their next of kin.

The 21 members of the dragon boat team were doing their routine practice when strong waves hit their boat which led to its sinking.

The rescued victims were brought to the nearest medical facility for medical attention.

(Cover: Philippine Coast Guard elements attending to members of the ill-fated dragon boat of the coasts of the popular tourist destination Boracay Island Wednesday morning. /PCG Photo)

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)