A 40-year-old female tourist from Antipolo, Rizal, drowned while kayaking at sea in Barangay San Teodoro, Mabini, Batangas, morning on January 13, 2024.

The victim who rode the kayak with her pet dog reportedly did not have a life jacket on. Investigators said the current was strong in the area where the incident occurred and the kayak she used could capsize easily.

"Yung area din pong' yun is napakalakas din po ng alon at current sa ilalim. 'Yun pong kayak na ginagamit niya ay madali pong ma-out of balance so maaari pong na-out of balance siya na pinulikat hanggang sa hindi niya ma-reach out 'yung kayak na ginagamit niya na nag-lead po sa kaniyang pagkalunod," PSSG. Bernie Faderogao, investigator at the Mabini Police Station, said.

The woman’s body was found by a ship that passed by the area going to Tingloy, Batangas. The ship’s crew tried to revive the victim but to no avail. They reported the matter to the Coast Guard sub-station in Mabini.

The woman's pet dog was also found a short distance away from where the victim’s body was found. It was already weak and died later on. 

Authorities urged tourists and locals to prioritize safety when engaging in water activities. Wearing a life vest and going out into the water with someone are recommended strongly.

"Strict reminders pa rin po namin na kapag magka-conduct po tayo ng any activity with regards to sea water po natin, dapat lagi po tayong magsu-suot ng life vest at make sure na palagi po tayong merong buddy, at huwag na huwag magso-solo o lalayo ng mag-isa kasi hindi natin malaman kung ano yung maari [na] maging resulta ng aktibidad na ginagawa natin," Faderogao said.