Swimmers Pulled Down at Tingko Beach Cove
In Alcoy, Cebu, a beach draws tourists each weekend—Tingko. Its clear water and shallow shores make it a favorite stop for families. But near a particular cove, swimmers have reported the same strange experience: being pulled downward without warning.
It doesn’t feel violent.
It doesn’t cause panic.
But it leaves people shaken.
Why does this keep happening?
And why only in that one spot?
What Visitors Have Reported
People who swam near the rocky curve of the southern end share similar stories.
A man felt his legs sink despite standing still.
A group of students said one friend needed help getting back to the surface.
Another visitor said she floated, then slowly dipped without moving.
Here’s how one described it:
“I didn’t panic at first. But it felt like something wrapped around my legs—like soft hands. I tried to kick, but my body stayed low.”
Most regain balance and swim back.
No injuries.
Just confusion.
Where It Happens
The spot in question isn’t far from the shore.
It’s about 10–15 meters out.
Just before the drop where the sand turns into deeper water.
The water looks clear, even calm.
Some locals avoid it completely.
Others swim there but never alone.
Does the Water Change Color?
Some people claim the water gets darker in that spot, especially during certain times:
Overcast afternoons
Low tide hours
After heavy rain
You might not notice it at first.
But if you take a photo and zoom in, there’s a slight difference in the water’s tone.
Locals call it “the black water.”
What Locals Say
Fishermen, vendors, and boat operators nearby have their theories:
“That’s where the deep meets the shallow. Current changes there. The water pulls without warning.”
“We’ve seen people panic in that part. Most get out fast. But they don’t come back to that exact spot.”
Older residents speak of an old tale:
A girl drowned there many years ago.
Some believe she wasn’t alone.
Her body was found further down the coast, untouched, as if placed gently.
There’s no official record of that case.
But the story remains.
Could It Be Natural?
Some swimmers and divers believe it’s just part of the sea.
Here’s what might explain it:
Drop-off Zone
The shift from shallow to deep creates uneven water movement.Thermocline Effect
Different water layers can create a strange pulling feeling.Undertow or Reverse Current
These are rare in calm beaches, but still possible.
Still, many say it doesn’t feel like a current.
It feels selective.
Like it happens only to certain people.
Who Feels It Most
Children and shorter swimmers
People swimming alone
Those not moving much
That last detail matters.
Several accounts mention being still in the water—then slowly sinking.
Active swimmers, or those near others, rarely report it.
What to Look For
If you plan to visit Tingko, these signs might help you spot the area:
The cove curves slightly inward, forming a natural trap.
There are small rock formations to the side.
The sea floor isn’t flat. It slopes, then suddenly dips.
You can see small bubbles rise in that spot.
No one knows why.
Should You Avoid It?
That’s your choice.
Some say it’s part of the beach’s character.
Others keep their distance.
If you go:
Don’t swim alone.
Avoid staying still in deeper water.
Move away at the first sign of discomfort.
No official advisory exists.
No reported deaths or injuries linked directly to the spot.
But the story continues to spread.
Why It Stays in People’s Minds
The stories aren’t dramatic.
No attacks.
No panic.
It’s the slow nature of the pull that unsettles people.
No force.
Just a soft tug.
And then confusion.
It’s not something you forget easily.
Would You Swim There?
Some come back just to try it again.
Others avoid Tingko altogether after hearing about it.
The beach remains popular.
But the cove remains quiet.
Next time you’re in Alcoy, listen to the regulars.
They won’t stop you.
But they might say, “not that spot.”
Especially if the water turns dark.
And still.
