A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel from Coast Guard District Palawan died during a search and rescue training on Wednesday, November 15.

In a statement, PCG said Commandant CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan has ordered the suspension of all onggoing water search and rescue (WASAR) training on November 16 due to the reported fatality of a 27-year-old apprentice seaman.

"All WASAR courses are hereby suspended immediately pending the conduct of review of safety procedures by the Coast Guard Special Operations Force and cognizant units," Gavan said.

PCG said that the personnel lost consciousness during the 100-meter swim, which they immediately noticed conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The apprentice seaman was brought to the nearest hospital but was declared dead at around 9 p.m.

PCG Palawan said that the cause of death was "hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy secondary to a submersion injury (drowning) and subsequent arrest."

"With this incident, rest assured that our existing training safety protocols will be reviewed and improved to ensure that every personnel preparing to become first responders can effectively serve the Filipino nation by upholding safety of lives at sea," CG Admiral Gavan remarked.

According to Gavan, coast guard personnel are expected to have relevant knowledge and skills in swimming and saving lives at sea.