Two Russian divers were found dead near Batangas, Philippines, after being separated from their group due to a strong underwater current on February 27, 2025. One diver was discovered with severe injuries, suggesting a shark attack, while the second victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
- Two Russian divers found dead in Philippines
- One victim reportedly attacked by a shark
- Strong currents separated divers from their group
- Shark attacks in Philippine waters are rare
- Russian embassy has not commented on incident
- The Moscow Times faces challenges in reporting
The incident occurred during a scuba diving excursion involving four Russians near the Batangas resort area on Luzon Island. The divers, including Eduart Perigudin, 57, his sons Timofy, 18, and Ilya, 29, along with their dive master, were caught in a strong current that separated them. While Eduart and Timofy managed to return to the boat, Ilya was later found floating near the shore.
Ilya Perigudin’s body was discovered with both arms missing, leading authorities to suspect a shark attack. Coast guard officials reported that multiple sharks were seen in the vicinity during the recovery operation. Rescuers noted that Ilya was observed being pulled by a shark when they located him. The second victim, identified as M. Melekhov, was found about an hour earlier and was declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital.
- Shark attacks in Philippine waters are extremely rare, with no recorded incidents in the past year.
- The divers’ group was separated around 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. local time.
- The bodies were returned to their families without an autopsy.
This tragic event highlights the dangers associated with scuba diving, particularly in areas known for strong currents. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the Russian embassy has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the victims.
The deaths of the two divers underscore the risks involved in scuba diving, especially in unfamiliar waters. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on understanding the events that led to this unfortunate incident.
