Philippine Coast Guard personnel investigate the deaths of two Chinese tourists who drowned after being thrown overboard the “paraw” sailboat they were riding on Sunday (Dec. 29, 2019). The victims were not wearing life jackets.. (Photo courtesy of PCG-Central Visayas)
Two Chinese drowned when they rode a “paraw” sailboat at Doljo Point in Panglao Island, Bohol on Sunday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas (PCG-7).
Lt. Junior Grade Michael John Encina, spokesperson of PCG-7, said Luo Rennei, 63, male, and Lan Rong, 56, female, were not wearing life jackets when their sailboat was hit by huge waves.
A distress call from motor yacht Elizabeth 2 was received by the Coast Guard station in Western Bohol.
“Immediately, Coast Guard Tagbilaran and Coast Guard Panglao personnel deployed their speed boards to assist the rescue operation and to further verify the report,” Encina added.
An investigation was conducted by PCG while aiding the crew of the yacht in saving eight other Chinese who were the companions of the two fatalities onboard the sailboat.
Rufino Labastida, 46, who was in charge of the paraw when the incident transpired, told PCG personnel that two paraws sailed at the famous diving site off Panglao Island.
10 Chinese tourists who were reportedly riding the sailboat encountered huge waves along the way resulting in the two victims being thrown overboard.
The remains of the victims were transferred to Holy Name Funeral Homes.
“A joint investigation will be conducted by the PCG Bohol and the Bohol Provincial Police for the safety and to determine criminal liabilities of the operators,” Encina explained. (RJ Espartinez)