By CESAR JOLITO III

A fishing trip turned tragic after a 42-year-old man and his nine-year-old nephew drowned in the Nabinay River at Barangay Mabini in Negros Occidental’s Cadiz City on Tuesday morning, February 17.

Police identified the fatalities as both residents of Hacienda Sampil in the village.

Authorities said the incident occurred at 10:40 a.m. while the victims were fishing along the river.

Based on the investigation by the Cadiz police, the child suddenly struggled and began to drown while gathering fish.

Seeing this, the uncle immediately attempted to rescue him.

However, the river’s strong current overwhelmed both, sweeping them away and causing them to submerge.

The incident was witnessed by another minor who was with the victims at the time.

The witness told investigators that the uncle was overpowered by the rushing water as he tried to save the child.

Cadiz City police, the Philippine Coast Guard and Cadiz City CREATE Rescue conducted a joint search and retrieval operation.

After several hours, both victims were recovered from the river.

They were rushed to Cadiz City District Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.

Authorities confirmed drowning as the official cause of death./CJ, WDJ