IN an incredible display of courage and endurance, a 12-year-old girl named Cherry Ann Mateo swam for six long hours across open ocean waters to seek assistance after the motorbanca she and three other passengers were riding sank between Batbatan Island and Mararison Island in Culasi, Antique.
The tragic yet inspiring incident occurred yesterday, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, when the small vessel encountered rough waves and strong currents midway through their journey home, causing it to capsize and sink abruptly.
On board the ill‑fated boat were 60‑year‑old Dante Salvador, 49‑year‑old Rose Salvador, 58‑year‑old Angelita Patricio, and young Cherry Ann.
According to Police Senior Master Sergeant Bobby Abayon of the Culasi Municipal Police Station, Barangay Captain Bobby Mateo immediately reported to authorities that a motorbanca had caught fire and sunk, leaving four people missing at sea. Investigations revealed that while traveling across the waters separating the two islands, they were struck by huge waves that overwhelmed the boat, tossing all occupants into the deep, choppy sea.
With no rescue in sight and the waters turning darker as evening fell, Cherry Ann was instructed to swim toward Brgy. Batbatan called for help.
She began her grueling journey at around 6:00 PM, battling exhaustion, cold, and strong currents for six straight hours until she finally reached safety. Upon receiving news from the young survivor, barangay officials and local fishermen immediately launched rescue operations at Ginbuligan, while the Philippine Coast Guard and Antique Maritime Police also coordinated efforts to locate the missing passengers.
The search continued through the night until the following morning.
Around 6:30 AM on Thursday, May 7, Dante Salvador was found six kilometers off the coast of Maniguin Island, having tried to follow the child but was swept away by the strong tide.
Hours later, at noon, the two women passengers were spotted 15 kilometers away along the coastline of Libertad town, still clinging to parts of the sunken motorbanca.
Miraculously, all four were eventually rescued and accounted for, thanks largely to Cherry Ann’s brave and determined swim that led rescuers to their location.
Her resilience has since been praised by authorities and locals alike as a shining example of bravery and survival amid adversity.
