South Korean tourist drowns in Coron

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – A 58-year-old South Korean tourist  drowned in a snorkeling site in Coron town on Thursday, October 19.

Police authorities identified the victim as Hyung Tae Park who drowned on Thursday morning while on snorkeling with his wife and other South Korean tourists at the Sea Coral Garden site in CYC Island, Barangay Lajala.

In a spot report obtained by Rappler Friday morning, October 20, the police investigation revealed that a member of the group shouted that the victim was seen floating on the sea.

“Immediately, the group tour guide, Jun Sabroso, took the victim’s body from the water and brought to their boat,” said the report signed by Senior Police Officer 3 Melvin Valdez Pasudag, officer-in-charge of the Coron Municipal Police Station.

Hyung Tae did not respond to first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation given by two tourists, who happened to be healthcare practitioners. The victim was rushed to the Coron District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Coron MPS spokesperson, Senior Police Office 1 Ferdinand Dalabajan, dismissed allegations of tnegligence on the part of the tour operator since the tourists underwent briefing prior to the snorkeling activity.

“The victim and his companions were also wearing life jackets while on the shallow part of water,” Dalabajantold Rappler by phone.

He said the victim’s wife refused an autopsy on Park’s body.

“We tried to persuade the wife to conduct an autopsy on his body, but she declined because she said she was there and saw what happened,” said Dalabajan.

Park’s remains were embalmed and transported to Manila on Thursday night. – Rappler.com

Photo of CYC Island from Wikimedia Commons