A resort lifeguard in Boracay Island, Aklan died after plunging into the sea to rescue a Russian national who had been pulled into deeper waters, with both individuals ultimately losing their lives in the incident, GMA Regional TV reported.
Rex Pablo Aguirre responded to the distress call shortly after 11 a.m., when the foreign visitor was carried away from shallow waters and began calling for help. Aguirre entered the water without a life jacket and did not resurface. His body was recovered nearly 11 hours later, at around 10 p.m.
The Russian national also died.
Yapak barangay captain Hector Casidsid confirmed that Aguirre had completed proper rescue training and that the resort’s safety equipment was available — but was not put on in time before he entered the water.
“Kumpleto naman ang kanilang gamit, hindi lang naisuot (ang) lifejacket. Naka-training naman sila sa rescue. Nakita niya ang taong humihingi ng tulong. Ni-rescue rin ng mga Coast Guard,” Casidsid said.
The Philippine Coast Guard’s Malay station and the Philippine National Police had not issued official statements as of reporting.
