(Eagle News)–The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation on Wednesday, Sept. 25, condoled with the kin of the seven paddlers who died after their dragon boat sank off Boracay waters.
The PDBF said the victims were training for an international competition when massive seawater engulfed the 21-seater dragon boat a few meters away from the shore of Tulubhan Bay in Barangay Manocmanoc past 7 a.m.
The other 14 boat occupants survived.
“May peace and comfort find the hearts of the bereaved family of our departed brothers and sisters in this sport. May God’s healing and grace descend upon upon those who are recovering,” the PDBF said.
According to the federation, “while we are aware of the perils that enviably go with dragon boating as an extreme water sport, the PDBF advocates and gives utmost priority to safety.”
The federation urged those practising the sport to use flotation devices not only during training but also during local regattas.
It said the federation was also “committed to ensuring that people, who are doing dragon boat in the Philippines are well equipped with proper information and know-hows in case of water emergencies,” noting that it offers free services for all dragon boat clubs in the Philippines in the dissemination of water safety protocol.
It said those interested may reach the federation through its Facebook page.