2 Russians killed in scuba diving incident off Verde Island, Batangas

Two Russians died when they were swept away by a strong current during a scuba diving trip, with one of them losing both arms in an apparent shark attack, in Verde Island, Batangas, Thursday afternoon.

In an interview on Friday, Philippine Coast Guard-Batangas acting station commander Capt. Airland Lapitan identified the fatalities as Ilia Peregudin, 29, and Maksim Melekhov, 39.

The divers who survived were Edward Peregudin, 57, and Timofei Peregudin, 18.

“The first fatality was declared dead on arrival at St. Patrick’s Hospital, while the other one was retrieved hours after he went missing. He lost both arms due to a shark attack. This was the first time a shark attack was recorded in Verde Island,” Lapitan told the DAILY TRIBUNE. He said the incident occurred around 1 p.m. at Brgy. Pulong Bato, Verde Island.

Lapitan added that a strong current washed away the victims.

The two fatalities were brought to their families in Puerto Galera, while the two survivors remain in the hospital, according to Capt. Lapitan.