Authorities reported that two Russian scuba divers died after being swept away by a strong current in Verde Island, Batangas, Thursday afternoon. One of the victims lost both arms in an apparent shark attack.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Batangas acting station commander, Capt. Airland Lapitan, identified the deceased as Ilia Peregudin and Maksim Melekhov. The divers who survived were Edward Peregudin and Timofei Peregudin.

“The first fatality was declared dead on arrival at St. Patrick’s Hospital, while the other 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 said.

He said the incident happened around 1 p.m. in Barangay Pulong Bato, Verde Island and initial investigations showed that a strong current washed away the victims.

According to Lapitan, the two deceased were brought to their friends and families in Puerto Galera, while the two survivors remain in the hospital.

With the incident, the PCG urges divers and dive operators to exercise heightened vigilance and adhere to strict safety protocols, particularly in areas with strong currents and active marine life.