A pair of divers tragically lost their lives after being swept away by a strong undercurrent and encountering sharks near Verde Island, a popular diving spot in the Philippines. The incident occurred on Thursday (February 27) during a diving expedition known for its vibrant marine life.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, Ilia Peregudin, 29, and Maksim Melekhov, 39, were part of a group when the undercurrent separated them. While two of the divers managed to return safely with their instructor, Peregudin and Melekhov were not as fortunate. Peregudin was found unconscious at sea and pronounced dead upon arrival at a hospital in Batangas. Melekhov was discovered amidst a shark attack, suffering severe injuries, including the loss of his right arm.
The rescue operation faced challenges due to sharks circling the area, making it difficult to recover Melekhov’s body. Despite efforts to save him, the injuries were too severe. This incident marks the first recorded shark attack in the Philippines in over a year, prompting local officials to reassess safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
An investigation is ongoing to understand the full circumstances of the incident and to discuss preventative measures for divers in the region.
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