Man Dies from Electrofishing Accident in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A man who went fishing in a river in San Enrique, Iloilo, died from suspected electrocution.

The body of Danilo Paciente Servas Jr., 33, of Sitio Facultad, Barangay Abaca, San Enrique, was found around 7:15 p.m. on October 7.

Lieutenant Cristy Val Dalde, San Enrique police chief, said the victim likely died around 5 p.m., just minutes after he went fishing near his home.

He was rushed to Don Valerio F. Palmares District Hospital in Passi City, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Dalde said Servas had used a handmade electric fishing machine.

Authorities believe a short circuit in the machine’s wiring may have caused the electrocution.

His mother said Servas bought the handmade machine online and had just charged it before going fishing that afternoon.

The machine was still attached to his back when his body was found.

Electrofishing works by generating an electric field in the water, attracting and temporarily immobilizing fish with minimal distress and no long-term harm.

However, electrofishing carries the risk of electric shocks, which can cause burns, uncontrolled muscular spasms, heart attacks, or neurological effects.

Electric shock occurs when there is bodily contact with energized electrodes.