A DEAF-MUTE fisherman died after he was allegedly hit by lightning at the sea waters off Barangay Bulanon in Sagay City, Negros Occidental around 7 a.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonel Guadalupe, chief of Sagay City Police Station, identified the fatality as Ernesto Baynas, 62, of the barangay’s Purok Mahogany.

Guadalupe said Baynas’ body was discovered by his fellow fishermen lifeless onboard his small boat (bangka) and believed that he was struck by lightning.

He said other fishermen brought his lifeless body to the shore and noticed that there were traces of burns on the victim's lower garment and also on the boat.

Despite the gloomy weather, the victim still went fishing, the police said.

Guadalupe added that Baynas’ body will be autopsied to ascertain the cause of his death.