Missing fisherman’s body found in Guimaras waters

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The body of a 21-year-old fisherman who went missing after drowning was recovered from waters off San Lorenzo, Guimaras, on July 26.

The victim, identified only as “Jim,” was a resident of Barangay San Enrique in San Lorenzo.

Police Capt. Shaney Allanic, chief of the San Lorenzo Municipal Police Station, said the body was found at about 8:30 a.m., around 600 meters from the shoreline.

Jim was reported missing at about 1:30 p.m. on July 24 after he went fishing with two cousins.

The three were aboard a banca when Jim entered the water to pull their fishing net.

Allanic said Jim apparently believed the water was shallow.

Jim initially stepped onto a shallow portion but went underwater after taking several steps.

Authorities learned that he did not know how to swim.

His cousins tried to rescue him but were unsuccessful.

Allanic said a composite rescue team launched a search for the missing fisherman.

The search-and-rescue operation continued until 6:30 p.m. on July 24.

His body was recovered two days later.