In a heartbreaking incident off the coast of the Philippines, two Russian tourists lost their lives during a diving expedition near the popular resort area of Batangas. The tragedy unfolded when strong underwater currents separated the divers from their group, leading to a series of devastating events. Among the victims, one man drowned, while the other suffered a fatal shark attack, leaving the diving community and local authorities in shock.
The group, consisting of four Russian men aged 18 to 57 and a Filipino dive instructor, was exploring the waters near Verde Island when the powerful currents swept them apart. While two divers and the instructor managed to return safely to their boat, the remaining two—identified as 29-year-old Ilia Peregudin and 39-year-old Maksim Melekhov—were carried away by the relentless flow. A frantic search operation was immediately launched, involving the dive instructor, fellow divers, and Philippine coast guard personnel.
The first victim, Peregudin, was discovered unconscious and pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital. The search for Melekhov took a more gruesome turn when rescuers found him being attacked by sharks. Despite their efforts to free him from the predators, the ordeal lasted over half an hour, during which Melekhov lost his right arm. Tragically, he was also declared dead shortly after being rescued. Authorities noted that it remains unclear whether the shark attack caused his death or if he had already succumbed to the harsh conditions.
The incident has prompted an investigation, with coast guard officials planning to meet provincial leaders to discuss measures to prevent similar tragedies at Verde Island and other diving hotspots. The area, known for its rich marine biodiversity, is a favorite among diving enthusiasts, but this incident has raised concerns about safety protocols and the unpredictable nature of the ocean. Shark attacks in the region are exceptionally rare, with no recorded incidents in over a year, making this event even more shocking.
As the bodies of the two divers were handed over to their grieving families, the diving community mourned the loss of two lives cut short by the unforgiving sea. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can accompany even the most thrilling adventures, urging both divers and authorities to prioritize safety and preparedness in the face of nature’s unpredictability.