World · Philippines Bureau
Search suspended for teen lost to rough seas in Surigao del Sur
The Philippine Coast Guard has halted efforts to locate a 14-year-old boy swept away by powerful waves off the coast of Tago, Surigao del Sur. Dangerous sea conditions have forced rescuers to suspend operations temporarily.
LSN Philippines ·
Search and retrieval operations for a 14-year-old boy who went missing after being swept away by strong waves off Barangay Victoria in Tago, Surigao del Sur were called off Tuesday due to hazardous maritime conditions.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Surigao determined that continuing rescue efforts posed significant safety risks to personnel responding to the incident. Rough seas and adverse weather conditions in the area made it unsafe for rescue teams to remain on the water.
Authorities issued Notice to Mariners No. CGSSDS-1126-002 regarding the suspension. The decision to halt operations reflects prioritizing the safety of emergency responders while assessing when conditions may improve enough to resume efforts.
The incident underscores the dangers coastal communities in Mindanao face during periods of rough sea conditions. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to exercise extreme caution near shorelines and heed all maritime advisories.