A 21-year-old man drowned after attempting to rescue his friend in the waters off Lian, Batangas.

Based on investigation by the Coast Guard Sub Station (CGSS) in Lian, the victim was with two friends at the beach.

One friend reportedly floated out to sea on an air bed without realizing it.

The victim and another friend attempted to swim out and rescue him, but a sudden strong wave caused the victim to drown.

Authorities believe that intoxication may have contributed to impairing their ability to swim back to shore.

"Nasa impluwensya kasi sila ng alak nu'ng pumunta sa may tabing dagat — lasing na lasing. Dahil sa kalasingan, hindi na namalayan na malayo na pala. Ligtas naman ang dalawa, kaso wala na ngang buhay nang i-ahon ‘yung isa," CG PO1 Junior Layosa, Sub Station Commander, Lian CGSS, said.

The Coast Guard said the victim's remains have been returned to his family in Caloocan City.

Authorities strictly prohibit bringing and consuming alcoholic beverages at the beach to prevent similar incidents.

"Ipinagbabawal na talaga natin ang pag inom sa tabig dagat pati dahil bakasyon pa nga. Ito ang karaniwang nagiging dahilan ng mga aksidente at insidente ng pagkalunod," Layosa said.