Korean couple drowns in Sta. Fe

CEBU, Philippines - A Korean couple was found dead after they allegedly drowned in the waters off Barangay Proper, Hilantagaan Island, Sta. Fe town, yesterday afternoon.

Myung Kyu Jang, 28, and her wife Hyejung Jang, 31, were found by two fishermen floating several meters away from Hilantagaan Island.

The couple started island-hopping at around 8:30 a.m. Pump boat operator Uriel Mahipos, 49, of barangay Talisay, Sta. Fe said that they docked in Hilantagaan to have their lunch.

Mahipos said he was preparing their lunch while the couple took off their lifejackets and went for a stroll on the beach.

He said he earlier gave them the lifejackets after he was told none of them could swim.

When lunch was ready he called them but could not find them anywhere.

Mahipos then called fishermen Arturo Jumola, former Hilantagaan barangay captain, and Donaldo Martus for assistance. Both searched the area for about 30 minutes before they found the two floating in the water several meters away from the island.

Fishermen hurriedly pulled both victims to their pump boats and brought to the shore.

Sta. Fe police investigator Eric Ilustrisimo said they received the telephone call from Mahipos asking for police assistance about 12:45 p.m. 

The two were rushed to the Bantayan District Hospital but declared dead on arrival by the attending physician Dr. James Nicolas Naharo.

Ilustrisimo said they already informed the Korean Embassy of what happened to the two. –/BRP (FREEMAN)