LABRADOR—A “despedida” (send off) party ended in tragedy here when two persons drowned while swimming in the beach in barangay Tubuan Saturday afternoon, according to the police.

Sr. Inspector Roberto Manuel, chief of police here, identified the fatalities as Susan Bravo of barangay Asinan, Labrador; and Ruel Manuel, alias “Isaac”, 28, a resident of Navotas, Metro Manila.

They were rushed to the Rosario Triño Hospital in Labrador but were declared dead on arrival.
Also rushed to the same hospital was their compasnion Norman Biañan, 21, also of Navotas, Metro Manila, whom rescuers reached just a few minutes after he sank in the water and survived.

The “despedida” party was for Ms. Bravo who is slated to leave for work in Dubai next week.

Manuel said the three were among seven persons who went swimming in the beach despite strong winds and high waves from the north at that time.

Their four other companions stayed in the cottage which they rented for an overnight stay.

Manuel said the victims were swimming in the shallow portion of the beach when they were swept by high waves from the Lingayen Gulf and did not surface anymore.

A rescue team immediately organized by Mayor Ernesto Acain and Manuel first retrieved Bianan from the water, then Ruel and Bravo. (PNA)