Man drowns after leaping off vessel

CEBU, Philippines - A 25-year-old man died after jumping off a Cebu City-bound vessel Tuesday afternoon off the Gigante Island in Ilo-ilo.

Marvin Andales and his 93-year-old grandmother Candida left Manila last Monday and were supposed to be met by their family members at the pier 3 at 10:30 pm last Tuesday.

But what could have been a joyful family reunion was spoiled by Marvin’s death.

Marvin, resident of Inayawan Cebu City, appears to be “mentally disturbed”, according to the medical incident report of the vessel’s physician.

Helen Andales, 48, Marvin’s mother, said her son told her earlier that he was not feeling well. Marvin reportedly complained of heart palpitation.

Helen said she did not think her son would jump off the ship because he texted her to meet him at the pier.

Coast Guard Cebu Commander Rolando Punzalan said that based on the report they received from Coast Guard Ilo-ilo, the incident happened at around 1:45 p.m., Tuesday.

Marvin’s jumping overboard was first reported by the house keeping crew of the vessel.

The ship captain immediately ordered a search and rescue operation with the help of two fishing boats. Marvin was found unconscious 30 minutes later.

The vessel’s medical personnel tried to revive him but all efforts proved futile. — (FREEMAN)