2 Russians die in Batangas scuba diving expedition

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Two Russian tourists who went missing during a scuba diving activity near Verde Island in Batangas City were found dead on Thursday afternoon, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

PCG-Batangas chief Capt. Airland Lapitan identified the fatalities as Ilya Perigudin, 29, and Maksim Melekhov, 39.

Lapitan said Perigudin may had been attacked by sharks while Melekhov drowned.

Perigudin’s arms were severed when he was found at past 5 p.m. by a PCG team along the shore of Pulong Bato in Barangay San Agapito.

The PCG said several sharks were seen swimming near the area where the victim was found.

The PCG rushed Perigudin to the St. Patrick’s Hospital in Batangas City where he was declared dead on arrival.

His remains were transported to Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro and were turned over to his friend, Vadim Boichenko.

Meanwhile, Melekhov was found unconscious at past 1 p.m. by a team of divers from the Arkipelago Beach Resort.

Melekhov was also declared dead on arrival at St. Patrick’s Hospital.

The victims were among tourists on board recreational boat D’Ocean Riders, which departed Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro for Sawang Dive Camp on Verde Island on Thursday morning.

After engaging in a diving activity in Sawang, Perigudin and Melekhov along with two other Russians and a dive instructor proceeded to Pulong Bato in Barangay San Agapito for a second dive.

The group reportedly encountered strong underwater current, which separated them.

The PCG said the Russians and the dive instructor managed to return to the boat while Perigudin and Melekhov went missing. — Arnell Ozaeta