Australian Cruise Passenger Dies in Boracay Waters

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The arrival of MS Noordam, a cruise ship operated by Holland America Line, at Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, turned tragic after one of its passengers died while swimming.

The 71-year-old Australian passenger reportedly took a swim in the waters off Barangay Manoc-Manoc, Boracay, shortly after disembarking around 10:30 a.m. on November 6.

Reports indicated that he soon appeared to struggle to stay afloat and was heard calling for help.

He was found unresponsive when pulled from the water.

Emergency responders from the Malay Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) administered lifesaving interventions, including artificial respiration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as they transported him to Ciriaco S. Tirol Hospital in Barangay Balabag, Boracay.

However, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The immediate cause of death has not been confirmed, although initial reports suggest respiratory arrest secondary to drowning.

Local police declined to release further details, citing a directive from the Aklan provincial government to handle information regarding the incident.

Earlier that day, the local government of Malay issued photo releases celebrating the arrival of MS Noordam, marking the first cruise ship visit of 2024 for Boracay.

The ship’s arrival follows an announcement that Boracay is set to welcome over 23 cruise ships by 2025.