Cherry Ann Mateo became a national hero in the Philippines after she swam nearly 6 kilometers for about 5 hours through rough open sea to help save her family after their motorboat capsized near Batbatan Island in Antique province.
Local authorities said the vessel was travelling back to Batbatan Island from the mainland of Culasi when it encountered huge waves and strong winds.
Once she reached land, she alerted local fisherfolk and barangay leaders. A rescue operation was quickly launched. The two other passengers, Angelita Patricio, 58, and Rose Salvador, 49, remained with the overturned vessel as it drifted towards the waters off Libertad, Antique, until they were rescued.
The Philippine Coast Guard and the Antique Provincial Board formally awarded Cherry Ann for her outstanding stamina, courage, and quick thinking
References:
https://www.asiaone.com/asia/filipino-girl-12-swims-6km-5-hours-boat-capsizes-sea-philippines
