By Sonya Delgado
Mati City, Davao Oriental—Leon Morales, a fisherman from Baganga, has been reunited with his family after surviving an extraordinary two-day ordeal at sea.
Morales, who went missing while fishing, swam approximately 10 miles to safety before being rescued in Barangay Lanca, Mati City.
The incident began on the evening of November 19, 2024, when the motor of Morales’ pump boat malfunctioned, leaving him adrift at sea overnight. Stranded and without control over his banca, Morales spent hours drifting under the night sky.
By morning, his paddle slipped into the water, prompting him to jump into the sea in an attempt to retrieve it. Unfortunately, his pump boat drifted out of reach, leaving him stranded in open water.
Morales swam tirelessly, eventually spotting lights from a beach resort in Barangay Lanca, Mati City.
Determined to survive, he swam for hours, covering approximately 10 miles before reaching the shore around 11:00 PM on November 20.
Morales readily sought help from the barangay local officials who provided initial assistance, and alerted authorities.
Earlier that day, Morales’ pump boat had washed ashore at Purok 3, Barangay Lanca, at around 5:00 PM, prompting efforts to locate its owner.
Barangay officials, the Mati City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and local rescuers coordinated to ensure Morales’ safety and eventual reunion with his family.
The Mati City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) provided Morales and his family with a relief package to help them recover from the incident.
Morales’ family, who traveled from Baganga to Mati City to reunite with him, expressed profound relief and gratitude.
“We are deeply thankful to everyone who helped ensure Leon’s safety. His survival is nothing short of a miracle,” a family member shared.
The Mati CDRRMO lauded Morales’ incredible resilience and the swift response of Barangay Lanca officials.
“This is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support. Morales’ determination saved his life,” said Charlemagne Bagasol of the Mati CDRRMO.
Morales has since returned to Baganga with his family, bringing home an inspiring story of survival and hope, a testament to courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.