Daijiworld Media Network- Manila

Manila, Feb 28: A diving expedition off the coast of the Philippines turned fatal for two Russian tourists, one of whom was attacked by sharks while the other is believed to have drowned. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday near Verde Island, a popular diving destination in Batangas province.

According to Philippine Coast Guard provincial commander Capt. Airland Lapitan, four Russian tourists, accompanied by a Filipino dive instructor, embarked on a dive trip from Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro province. While underwater, all five were swept away by powerful undercurrents.

Two of the tourists managed to surface safely with the dive instructor, but the other two, identified as Ilia Peregudin (29) and Maksim Melekhov (39), went missing. A search operation was immediately launched by fellow divers and coast guard personnel.

Melekhov was found an hour later, unconscious at sea. He was rushed to a Batangas hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

“The other Russian diver was found while being attacked by sharks. His right arm had been severed, and the sharks were circling him,” Lapitan said. “Rescuers managed to pull him away, but he did not survive.”

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and will be meeting with provincial officials to discuss measures to prevent such tragedies in Verde Island and other popular dive sites.