RUSSIAN DIES FROM DROWNING, ANOTHER FROM ‘SHARK ATTACK’ WHILE SCUBA DIVING IN BATANGAS

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday reported that two Russians on Thursday died while scuba diving in the waters off Verde Island in Batangas,

One of the victims drowned while the other also died and lost his arms from an alleged shark attack.

According to PCG-Batangas, the duo were part of a group of four tourists who went scuba diving in Verde Island when they were swept away by a sudden strong water current.

Two of the four were able to surface. However, the two others went missing.

A Filipino dive instructor and other divers in the area, along with Philippine Coast Guard personnel, immediately launched a search operation.

One of the missing Russians was found unconscious at sea an hour later. He was rushed to a hospital in Batangas but was declared dead upon arrival.

The other Russian diver was also found but was already dead. His arms were severed.

The PCG is investigating the incident as it urged divers and dive operators to exercise heightened vigilance and adhere to strict safety protocols, particularly in areas with strong currents and active marine life.