Tragic Loss. In a somber effort, the Philippine Coast Guard and local residents collaborated to retrieve the body of a Russian diver who perished in a diving mishap near Isla Verde, Batangas City, on February 27, 2025. The incident claimed the lives of two Russian nationals who were overwhelmed by powerful underwater currents. (Photo courtesy of PCG Batangas)
MANILA – A diving excursion turned fatal for two Russian nationals in the waters off Isla Verde, Batangas City, on Thursday.
According to a report released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday, Maksim Melekhov, aged 39, and Ilya Perigudin, aged 29, met their untimely demise during a dive. They were part of a larger group that included a boat captain, two crew members, two master divers, and seven divers, comprising one Brazilian and six Russians.
The group set out from De Luna Diving Center in Barangay Aninuan, Puerto Galera, on the recreational boat ‘D’ Ocean Riders’ at 9:30 a.m. for their diving adventure.
After an initial stop at Sawang Dive Camp, they moved on to Pulong Bato for their second dive.
Eduart Perigudin, a 57-year-old survivor, recounted that their subgroup, consisting of four divers and one dive master, entered the water around 1 p.m.
“However, just half an hour into the dive, they were hit by strong underwater currents, which led to their separation,” the PCG reported.
Eduart, along with his 18-year-old son Timofy and their dive master, were able to make it back to their boat.
Melekhov was discovered unconscious by divers from Arkipelago Divers and Beach Resort, who were diving nearby in the waters off Pulong Bato.
He was rushed by speedboat to Sitio Aplaya, Barangay Tabangao, Batangas, but was pronounced dead upon arrival at St. Patrick’s Hospital Medical Center at 3:23 p.m.
Meanwhile, the PCG Sub-Station Isla Verde conducted a search-and-retrieval operation, which led to the discovery of Ilya’s body near the Pulong Bato shoreline.
The PCG noted that Ilya’s arms were missing, likely due to a shark attack, as several sharks were spotted in the area during the recovery efforts.
In response to the tragedy, the PCG urged divers and dive operators to increase their vigilance and strictly follow safety protocols, especially in areas known for strong currents and active marine life.
The Russian Embassy in Manila confirmed it had been officially notified of the deaths of the two citizens and is currently working to locate their next of kin.
“The Embassy is actively seeking the relatives of the victims. We have also requested official statements from the Philippine authorities regarding the incident,” the embassy stated. (with contributions from Joyce Rocamora/PNA)