TACLOBAN CITY – A 69-year-old man drowned after his vehicle plunged into the sea at the Liloan Ferry Terminal in Barangay San Roque, Liloan, Southern Leyte on Wednesday, June 29.
The victim was identified as Fernando dela Cruz of Barangay Naparaan, Salcedo, Eastern Samar.
Initial investigation said the victim was onboard an SUV with his wife Olympia and four others bound for Mindanao.
The victim maneuvered his vehicle at the ramp of the loading site of the Liloan Ferry Terminal.
The vehicle slipped due to heavy rainfall and fell into the sea.
All passengers were rescued by responding crew of the ferry, except for the victim who sank together with the vehicle.
Rescuers were able to extricate the victim after a few minutes.
The victims were taken to the Liloan Community Hospital where Fernando was declared dead due to asphyxia secondary to drowning.
His wife was referred to Christ the Healer Hospital in Sogod, Southern Leyte for further medical attention.