A 50-year-old woman tragically drowned after the banana boat she was riding capsized in the waters off Barangay Patar, Bolinao, Pangasinan on March 16.
Authorities identified the victim as a resident of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. She and her friends had rented the banana boat and were all wearing life jackets when the incident occurred.
While out at sea, a large wave struck the banana boat, causing it to overturn. The victim managed to hold onto the handle until rescuers arrived and saved everyone on board.
The victim told rescuers and her friends that she had swallowed a significant amount of seawater. Shortly after, she lost consciousness. She was immediately transported to Rillera Medical Hospital in Poblacion, Bolinao, but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
