- Two Russian tourists died in separate incidents during Verde Island dive
- One victim suffered fatal shark attack, another drowned in strong currents
- Coast guard reviewing safety protocols for Batangas diving hotspots
- 2023 saw 12% increase in Philippine diving-related fatalities
- Experts advocate mandatory current forecasting systems at popular sites
A recreational dive turned deadly for four Russian tourists exploring waters off Verde Island, a renowned Philippine diving destination. While two divers safely returned to their boat with their instructor, Ilia Peregudin (29) and Maksim Melekhov (39) were swept away by sudden undercurrents during Thursday’s excursion. Melekhov was recovered unconscious and later pronounced dead at a Batangas hospital, while rescuers discovered Peregudin surrounded by sharks with severe injuries.
Coast guard officials confirmed this marks the first shark-related diving fatality in Batangas province since 2018. Marine biologists note that while shark encounters remain rare in Verde Island’s biodiversity-rich waters, strong currents frequently displace marine life. Current patterns this season are 40% stronger than five-year averages,stated local oceanographer Dr. Elena Torres, highlighting climate change impacts on diving conditions.
The Philippine Department of Tourism reports scuba diving generates $290 million annually, with safety incidents affecting 0.03% of participants. However, 78% of accidents involve unpredictable underwater currents. A 2023 safety audit revealed only 15% of Batangas dive operators use real-time current monitoring technology, compared to 63% in Palawan’s more regulated dive sites.
Regional case study: In 2021, a similar current-related incident at Tubbataha Reef led to mandatory guideline updates requiring:
- Pre-dive current strength assessments
- Emergency GPS locators for all divers
- Shark deterrent devices on boats
Coast Guard Captain Airland Lapitan emphasized post-incident reforms: We’re implementing a three-phase safety upgrade including weather-linked dive bans and emergency response drills.The measures aim to balance tourism demands with risk mitigation as visitor numbers rebound to pre-pandemic levels.
Industry experts recommend divers verify operator certifications through the Philippine Dive Safety Council’s updated registry. With over 7,000 islands offering dive opportunities, authorities face mounting pressure to standardize safety protocols nationwide while preserving marine ecosystems.