DoT Quezon bans — then lifts — diving activities

The Department of Tourism-Quezon (DoT-Quezon) urged residents and divers to exercise caution in local waters following a fatal shark attack off Verde Island, Batangas which claimed the lives of two Russian divers last week.

With the incident, the Quezon Provincial Tourism Office initially imposed a temporary ban on diving activities Saturday morning, citing safety concerns following the Batangas incident.

However, the ban was lifted hours later after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Southern Tagalog clarified that the incident occurred outside Quezon’s jurisdiction.

“In a new letter by the PCG to the Quezon Provincial Tourism Office, the agency has retracted its recommendation to stop diving in the province,” the letter dear.

Despite lifting the ban, the Quezon tourism office urged divers and dive operators to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Authorities also stressed the importance of adhering to safety protocols and ensuring all diving activities are conducted under professional supervision.

To recall, two Russian nationals, Ilya Perigudin and Maksim Melekhov died during a dive excursion near Verde Island last 27 February 2025.

Philippine Coast Guard-Batangas acting station commander, Capt. Airland Lapitan, said in a radio interview Saturday that personnel witnessed sharks attacking Perigudin during search and rescue operations.  

“Our guys conducting the rescue, they saw the sharks attacking the victim. Some sharks are even circling the site. That’s our basis in saying that there were sharks in the area,” Lapitan said.

Lapitan, in a separate interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, said the incident was the first shark attack responded to by his station.

Perigudin’s body was recovered with both arms severed, reportedly the result of a shark attack after he lost consciousness due to strong underwater currents, authorities said.

The Philippine Coast Guard released an advisory Friday, urging divers and dive operators to exercise heightened vigilance and adhere to strict safety protocols, particularly in areas with strong currents and active marine life.  

The Verde Island Passage, known for its rich marine biodiversity, provides food, livelihoods and other benefits to over 2 million people in Batangas and neighboring provinces, according to Conservation International.

It is recognized as the center of global shore-fish biodiversity and is home to whale sharks, sea turtles, nudibranchs and a wide array of corals.

Meantime, Quezon Province Information Officer Jun Luvid said residents and divers should take extra caution in their diving ventures.

The PCG, on the other hand, continues its investigation into the Batangas incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the divers’ deaths.

Authorities have also called on the DoT to review existing policies regarding diving safety, particularly in areas known for strong underwater currents and potential wildlife hazards.