Man dies attempting to rescue drowning tourist in Boracay

By: Jennifer P. Rendon

A 50-YEAR-OLD man died after he tried to rescue another tourist in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan afternoon of Nov. 7, 2019.

Police identified the fatality as Roberto Baisas, a construction worker from Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Patrolman Jessie Nolido, Malay police investigator, said the victim was on vacation with his family when the incident happened.

Records indicated that Baisas was on the shoreline around 2:50 p.m. when he saw James Matthew Alfafara, 20, of Carcar, Cebu, flailing his arms while shouting for help.

Baisas readily swam to Alfafara and held his left hand. But a strong wave swept them back to the sea.

Members of the Stand Poodle Board Association responded to the incident and took the two victims to the beachfront.

Rescuers administered first aid before bringing them to Ciriaco S. Tirol Hospital in Boracay but Baisas was declared dead on arrival.

Nolido said Alfafara was unconscious when he was brought to the hospital. Latest report indicated that he was already out of danger.