Search on for PMMA cadet who went missing after swimming on a beach

SEARCH PARTY. Philippine Merchant Marine Academy cadets and officers, along with local authorities and residents, on Saturday, July 21, prepare for another day of searching for a cadet who has gone missing after swimming in a beach in San Narciso town in Zambales province. (Photo from Philippine Merchant Marine Academy)

SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES — A search and retrieval operation continues on Sunday (July 21) for a Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) cadet who has gone missing after swimming on a beach in San Narciso town.

PMMA confirmed in a statement on Sunday that cadet Egie Pegoro is missing and presumed to have drowned while swimming at La Paz Beach.

He was with his four co-fourth class cadets during their official shore leave around 3 p.m. on Friday (July 19).

“As soon as the local authorities were notified of the incident, a search and rescue operation was immediately launched,” the academy’s statement reads.

“PMMA Tactical Officers, cadet-volunteers, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), local lifeguards and surfers have been tirelessly searching for Midn/4CL Pegoro since learning of the incident,” it noted.

PMMA also said on the night of the incident, its leadership has convened an emergency command conference with the Tactical Unit, duty officers and other personnel to discuss the situation, coordinate ongoing efforts, and watch out for any development.

On Saturday morning, the search and retrieval operation resumed along the coast of San Narciso, with additional support from PMMA cadets and officers.

The academy has informed Pegoro’s family of the situation.