Brave Apprentice Rescued After Daring Leap from Weesam Express, Fellow Crew Member Saves Lives in Lapuz
Lapuz, June 1, 2023 – In a daring act of bravery, a young apprentice named Aira Salcedo, hailing from Zamboanga City, miraculously survived after leaping from the side of the Weesam Express ferry, while it was sailing near the shores of Barangay Libertad Lapuz.
It took nearly 30 minutes for the Philippine Coast Guard Western Visayas to recover Salcedo’s body from the water this Thursday afternoon.
In an interview with Radyo Bistado, the ship’s maintenance crew member, known as Alyas Rakib, revealed that Salcedo, a 24-year-old apprentice, had gone for a swim without their knowledge. They believed Salcedo to be a skilled swimmer and decided to let her be.
However, Salcedo was caught by a strong current, losing control and struggling to stay afloat.
As Salcedo shouted for help, it caught the attention of Bryle Gonzales, a 22-year-old crew member who rushed to her aid.
While they are near on another ship Salcedo tried to hold onto Gonzales’s hand, but due to the force of the water, her hand slipped off to Gonzales and was submerged underwater believe he sustained leg cramps, while Salcedo miraculously surfaced.
After an intensive search effort lasting nearly 30 minutes, the Philippine Coast Guard-Western Visayas located Gonzales and swiftly transported him to the nearest hospital, where he received immediate medical attention.
Both Salcedo and Gonzales, who are residents of Zamboanga City, are on the verge of completing their studies in the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering program at the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College.
