PCG rescues Thai national after falling off a speedboat in Palawan

• Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/992671/pcg-rescues-thai-national-after-falling-off-a-speedboat-in-palawan
• Tuesday, May 22, 2018

By Julius N. Leonen (/kga, INQUIRER.net)

A Thai national was rescued after falling off a speedboat in Coron Bay Anchorage Area in Coron, Palawan, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disclosed on Monday.

In a statement, the PCG said a search and rescue team from Coast Guard Station (CGS) Coron spotted 28-year old Thailand national Veera Ponkaew 300 meters south of Coron port before dawn Saturday, May 19.

CGS Coron, the PCG said, was tipped off about the accident after 30-year old British national Joshua Stickland reported to authorities that his companion fell overboard before midnight Friday, May 18.

“The team immediately rescued Ponkaew and rendered necessary assistance. The victim was safely brought to Lualhati Wharf, Poblacion 3, Coron, Palawan where Mr Stickland was waiting,” the PCG said.

Further investigation by authorities revealed that Ponkaew went bar hopping with Stickland on Friday night before they boarded a speedboat anchored at Coron Bay Anchorage Area.

“While underway, Ponkaew suddenly lost balance due to drunkenness and fell overboard,” the PCG said.

“Mr Ponkaew is now in good physical condition. The two nationals were turned-over to Ms Sarah Clutterbuck, Mr Stickland’s fiancé,” it added.