American sailor rescued after catamaran sinks in Bohol waters

TAGBILARAN CITY— An American sailor was rescued by authorities after his sailing catamaran sank in the waters off Barangay Santo Niño, Inabanga, Bohol, on Monday.

Inabanga Mayor Dexter Ancla said he was alerted at around 5:30 p.m. with a call from a friend in Cebu asking for help for Adrian Belic, an American visitor who had sailed from the Ilocos Region.

Belic was aboard his catamaran when it sank in rough seas. Initial rescue efforts were delayed by strong winds and waves, causing the sailor to drift toward the waters off the town of Buenavista.

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Ancla immediately coordinated with Barangay Santo Niño officials to assist in the search. He later contacted the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station in Buenavista, which coordinated with the PCG Getafe Station.

Coast Guard personnel eventually located Belic in waters off Getafe town and safely rescued him.

Belic remains under the care of the PCG Getafe Station and is reported to be safe.

“Helping a stranger, coz why not. Pay it forward mentality,” Ancla said, noting the importance of helping others even without knowing them personally./coa