Cimatu suspends dragon boat races in Boracay

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on Friday suspended dragon boat race activities on Boracay Island following the accident that claimed the lives of seven rowers this week.

The suspension included practice and training by any dragon boat group, Cimatu said, adding that it would allow the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) to scrutinize and improve emergency protocols.

All agencies involved in emergency rescue and response are scheduled to meet on Sept. 30 to conduct a comprehensive assessment of protocols, logistics and resources, and to come up with recommendations to address gaps.

Any recommendations or changes to the protocols will be subject to the approval of the BIATF.

Member-agencies of the BIATF include the local government of Malay and its municipal disaster risk reduction and management office, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Tourism, local dragon boat associations and other water sports groups.

On Wednesday, seven members of the Boracay Dragon Force died while 14 others were injured when the boat they were rowing capsized off Boracay Island.

They were training for an international competition in Taiwan.

Initial investigation of the incident showed the boat capsized after it was hit by large waves brought about by sudden violent wind gusts.