Two Russian nationals died during a scuba diving excursion in the waters by Verde Island, Batangas on Thursday.
Four Russian tourists took part in the activity, but only two managed to escape when they were caught in a sudden strong current by Pulong Bato, Barangay San Agapito.
According to DZRH reporter Eric Dastas, Maksim Melekhov, 39, was rescued by his companions and taken to Saint Patrick Hospital in Barangay Poblacion 2, with the assistance of Batangas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO Batangas City). At around 3:25 PM however, Melekhov was declared dead on arrival.
During the search and rescue operation conducted by RBCA De Luna, aided by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the second victim, Ilya Perigudin was found at about 5:34 PM. The body was missing both arms, said the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog in a statement.
“According to the CGSS Isla Verde, the incident could allegedly be a result of a shark attack due to the presence of sharks in the vicinity waters,” the PCG said.
The diver’s remains were transported to the Puerto Galera Hospital at 9:10 PM, where his family and loved ones gathered to receive them. Later, an ambulance brought the body to a nearby funeral service parlor.
The Russian Embassy to the Philippines said on Friday that it is working with Philippine police and the medical facilities retaining the bodies, and requested comments on the incident from the country’s officials.
