PHL Dragon Boat Federation mourns deaths of 7 paddlers in Boracay

The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) on Wednesday expressed their condolences to the families of the paddlers who died after their dragon boat capsized during training in Boracay.

“The PDBF, along with its club team members, joins the Boracay dragon boat community in praying for the eternal repose of the souls of the departed dragon boat paddlers and for the immediate recuperation of those in the dragon boat accident this morning,” PDBF said in a statement.

Police said seven paddlers died in the incident.

Citing information reaching them, the group said a massive seawater deluged the 20-seater Dragon Force boat carrying the victims and 14 others. At that time, the team was training for an international competition

The incident happened some 300 meters away from the shore of Tulubhan Bay in Barangay Manocmanoc.

“While we are aware of the perils that enviably go with dragon boating as an extreme water sport, the PDBF advocates and gives utmost priority to safety,” the federation said.

Following the incident, the PDBF encouraged the use of flotation device not only during training but also during local regattas to avoid such incidents.

The group stressed that they educate their member clubs of proper safety protocols in case of capsizing or sinking of boats.

“The PDBF is committed to ensuring that people, who are doing dragon boat in the Philippines are well equipped with proper information and know-hows in case of water emergencies,” it said.

The PDBF is also offering free services for all dragon boat clubs in the Philippines in the dissemination of water safety protocols on capsizing, sinking and other emergencies.

Interested dragon boat club may reach them through their Facebook page.

“May peace and comfort find the hearts of the bereaved family of our departed brothers and sisters in this sport. May God's healing and grace descend upon upon those who are recovering,” the PDBF said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News