A NINE-year-old girl drowned while swimming at the breakwater in Port Area, Manila Thursday.

Homicide detectives identified her as Mary Joy Mendoza, of Baseco Compound, Port Area.

The incident happened at 5:30 p.m. when the victim along with her friends took a dip due to the  scorching heat.

Her friends said  they were having fun when they noticed that the victim had disappeared.

Witnesses along with the victim’s parents combed the area in search of her. Several hours later, they saw the victim lifeless already.

Not giving up hope, her parents brought her to the Gat. Andres Bonifacio Hospital but to no avail.