PCG rescuer dies after being swept away in a river in La Union

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel died in La Union on Tuesday after being swept away in the coursing water of the river during a search and rescue operation amid inclement weather.

In a statement, the PCG said Petty Officer Third Class Ponciano Nesperos responded to a drowning incident in Sitio Dang in Barangay Halong East in Tubao town.

Nesperos crossed the “safety line” of the river but lost his balance before he was swept away by it.

Rescue personnel attempted to save Nesperos, who was found unconscious.

Nesperos was rushed to the La Union Medical Center but was pronounced “dead on arrival” by attending physicians.

According to the PCG, the agency is now coordinating with the victim’s family and relatives to assist them.

RELATED STORIES:

Search and rescue ops continue for 4 missing PCG personnel

4 PCG members in Cagayan rescue ops missing after boat overturns

JPV/abc