Coast Guard honors girl who swam for 6 hours at sea to look for help
NEWS UPDATE: The Philippine Coast Guard has recognized a girl who swam for hours at sea to look for help after the fishing boat she was riding with three other companions capsized off Culasi in Antique.
The incident happened on May 6, 2026.
The girl, Cherry Ann Mateo, 12, swam three nautical miles (5.5 kilometers) for at least six hours to look for help. Responders rescued her companions, eventually.
On May 11, the Coast Guard District Western Visayas gave Cherry cash assistance and food packs, as well as a certificate of Recognition for her courage and bravery.
u/BlueAboveRed — 1 day ago