AN annual fluvial parade marking the Feast of Sta. Ana and Taguig River Festival was marred by tragedy when two boats carrying a total of 26 passengers collided, leaving six persons injured and one dead on Tuesday afternoon.

The Taguig City government said the incident happened around 5:46 p.m. along the Tuktukan River in Bgy. Tuktukan while participants in the fluvial parade were on their way to where they came from after joining the parade.

The local city government clarified that the boats involved in the collision were not on the list of official participants in the fluvial parade.

The boat carrying 14 passengers collided with the boat carrying 12, causing it to sink. Before the boat sank, passengers tried to transfer to the other boats, causing it to lose its balance before quickly sinking in the river.

Most of the passengers were able to swim to the river’s edge while six others were rescued after almost being drowned, and one was missing, identified as Jester Romero, 30, of Bgy. Bambang.

Injured passengers were identified as Camille Esteban, 30, call center agent and resident of Bgy. Bambang was rushed to Rabi Hospital, while Renier Abaya, Glebin Hipolito, Vince Viar, Marke Gerald Pinera, and JC Lubabig were brought to Taguig-Pateros District Hospital.

At around 6:22 a.m. on Wednesday, Taguig City Rescue Team, Lake and River Management Office, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) found the lifeless body of Romero floating under the Tuktukan Bridge.

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Edd Reyes