Korean national dies in sea mishap

CEBU, Philippines - A 50-year-old Korean national died while her two other companions were injured after the banana boat they were riding collided with a pump boat midday yesterday in the seawaters of Sitio Looc, Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.

Ji Sung Ok, who sustained injuries on her right arm and leg, died a few minutes after her arrival at the Mactan Doctor’s Hospital in Barangay Basak where she and her companions Park Mi So, 51and Lee Ug Kyung, 56 were taken.

So was injured on her upper lip while Kyung sustained a head injury. Both are currently confined at the said hospital.

Police investigation revealed that all three female Koreans, who were temporarily staying at the Sea Adventures Aqua Sports Resort in Barangay Maribago, were on a banana boat ride pulled by a jetski driven by Jovanni Paquibot, 38, of Sitio Suba, Barangay Sabang, Olango Island.

Insp. Jun Pastorfide, homicide chief of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, said that Paquibot failed to notice the presence of the approaching pump boat because he was allegedly looking after his guests.

“Sige siya ug lingi sa likod kay sige siya ug bantay sa iyang guests hinungdan nalipat hinuon siya,” Pastorfide said.

The pump boat which had about 10 local guests at that time was controlled by Alsin Tungco, 33, of Barangay Tingo, Olango Island and was island hopping when the banana boat hit its side.

Pastorfide said that Paquibot was able to maneuver jetski away but his guests were all thrown off the banana boat.

The homicide chief added that all victims were wearing life vest but it failed to help them avoid the incident.

Pastorfide suspected that Ok possibly became unconscious because of the strong impact of the crash which caused all of them to be thrown into the water.

“Didto na siya sa tubig nagkulob pag-rescue unya unconscious na, basin nalumos siya,” Pastorfide said.

Tungco and Paquibot are now detained at the police stockade and scheduled for inquest proceedings today at the Lapu-Lapu City Fiscal’s Office.

Police are now coordinating with the Korean Consulate in Cebu City to inform the families of the victims. — (FREEMAN)